Ellen Marie Magsamen

Ellen Marie Magsamen, age 88 of Duluth, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, with family at her side . She was born in Oslo, Norway on March 23, 1938 to parents, Arvid Heine and Nelly Johanne (Ekelund) Larsen.

At 21, she married the love of her life, Cletus Magsamen, an American Air Force Veteran. Together, they lovingly raised two children, Nina and Erik. As a family, they moved to various cities throughout the world, going where Cletus’ military assignments took them. They eventually settled in Duluth, MN, where the rolling hills and lake views were reminiscent of Norway. Here, Ellen worked at H&R Block as a tax preparer and as an accountant at the YMCA.

She was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for her family as well as sharing this talent with others. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and created many beautiful pieces. Ellen was involved in the Sons of Norway, and St. Benedict Catholic Church. Growing up in German occupied Norway gave her a unique appreciation for good food and the comforts of life. She enjoyed the beauty of glassware, plates and art. She became a United States citizen along the way maintaining dual citizenship in her heart. She was a compassionate, generous, and spirited soul. Ellen was a strong person through all of her life. She was not afraid to take more than one leap of faith with her beloved Cletus and that faith sustained her throughout her life. 

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Aud Helen Veerkoyen (Laurent) and nephew, Arvid Pedersen.

She is survived by her children, Nina (Shawn Kilgore) Magsamen and Erik (Erica) Magsamen; grandchildren, Cameron, Nolan (Cassie), and Maya; great-grandchild Frederik who has a brother arriving in July of ’26; and niece, Elisabeth Pedersen.

Visitation will be held in Dougherty Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday, July 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, 1419 St. Benedict St. Duluth, MN 55811. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Park. A live-stream of the Mass will be available on the Dougherty Funeral Home facebook page: www.facebook.com/dfhduluth