SHAKOPEE — Elnora “Ellie” Marvel Ziegler, age 87, of Shakopee, Minn., formerly of Elmore, Minn., passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Friendship Manor in Shakopee. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth, with Rev. Jerry Davis officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Elmore. Online condolences can be left at www.pattonfh.com.

Ellie was born June 16, 1937, in Wells, Minn., to Bert and Lillian (Feist) Olson. Ellie was the daughter of a large family of 13 siblings. She grew up and graduated from Wells and went on to work at the local movie theater in Wells, where her bright smile and warm personality touched many lives. She also worked at Stampers in Wells.

It was in Elmore where Ellie found love, meeting her husband after he persistently asked her out 12 times. Their love story blossomed, leading to marriage after six months of dating on June 5, 1965. Together, they raised five children in Elmore before Paul passed away and she relocated to the Mankato, Minn. area, then proceeded to an assisted living facility in St. Peter and eventually settling at Friendship Manor in Shakopee. She had a passion for baking cookies, crafting, puzzles and card games. She cherished spending

time with her family, especially enjoying trips to Mankato with her daughter Durene, and a memorable visit to London, England, to see her daughter Cindy serving in the U.S. Air Force and spending time with her grandchildren.

A gentle soul, Ellie relished her time at Friendship Manor, engaging in a variety of activities that brought her joy and fulfillment. Her enthusiasm for life, coupled with her enduring love for her family, left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her children, Durene (Neil) Smith, Cindy (Gary) Stevens, Jonathan (Rochelle) Ziegler, Angela (Pat) Murphy and Terry Ziegler, three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her siblings, Irene Tandeski, Marie Squires, RuthAnn Schnieder, Janet Hamson, Donald Olson, Sonja Sorenson and Dean Olson; many other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Paul Zeigler; siblings, Adeline Baker, Marlene Wedin, Howard Olson, David Olson and Cindy Olson.