Nancy Ehlen

Nancy May (Hartwick) Ehlen, 75 of Duluth, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community after a long battle with Multiple Scleroses and Dementia. Nancy was born on December 22, 1946 to Lawrence and Mildred Lindberg in Ashland, WI.

Nancy attended Duluth East High School and graduated in 1964.  She worked in various customer service positions at Mel’s TV and Audio, The Lakeside Bakery and North Shore Bank to name a few.  Nancy loved to entertain and was an excellent cook.  Her rule was that her boys who she lovingly referred to as Johnny and Scotty, needed to be members of the “clean plate club” and they complied. She made the most tender pot roast and her Boston Cream Pies (a birthday favorite) were almost as sweet as she was. Nancy also enjoyed arts, crafts, and loved to get on a snowmobile and go fast!  She was the designer and artist of the original logo for the Drift Toppers Snowmobile Club.

Nancy’s illness was not kind and took so many things from her, however she always had a smile and pleasant demeanor for everyone that was in her presence.  She is survived by her sons John and Scott Hartwick of Duluth, her sister and brother-in-law Marie and Chuck Hoffman of Seattle, WA, and her cousin Maria Brown of Mount Vernon, IL.

Nancy is also survived by special friends Sally Wagner of San Antonio, TX, Cathy Johnson of Boise, ID, Allison Listiak of Duluth, MN and Joann Mason of Duluth, MN. Thank you, ladies, for your love and care through the years.

A special thanks to the many workers at the Benedictine Living Community who contributed to Nancy’s care. Thank you to Essentia Hospice Care for making Nancy’s last days with us comfortable. Also thank you to Sara McCumber with Essentia Neurology. Your expertise, guidance, kind words and compassion have meant more than you know.

A gathering of family and friends will be on Wednesday August 10, 2022 at 1:00pm. at the Red Swan Event Center, 5135 North Shore Dr., Duluth, MN 55804.  Please join us for an afternoon of food, laughter and memories in honor of Nancy.

In memory of Nancy, please consider a donation to the Young Athlete’s Foundation. Nancy loved all people but had a special spot in her heart for children. The Young Athlete’s Foundation helps many area youth participate in sports events and programs.  Young Athlete’s Foundation, 351 Canal Park Drive, Duluth, MN 55802.

Arrangements are being made by Dougherty Funeral Home in Duluth