Ellen Gladys Strelow

Obituary

Ellen Gladys (Johnson) Strelow was born on June 29, 1942, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Ralph and Gladys (Good) Johnson. Ellen was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith at the Methodist Church in Eden Prairie as a youth. She received her education in Eden Prairie and was a graduate of the Eden Prairie High School Class of 1961. 

On June 8, 1974, Ellen was united in marriage to Ronald Gerwin Strelow at his parents’ home in New Ulm, Minnesota. Ellen and Ronald resided in Minneapolis and later moved to Fridley, Minnesota, which was their home for 35 years. Ellen and Ronald shared 41 years of marriage when Ronald passed away on August 11, 2015.

Ellen was employed as a Secretary to the Postmaster at the Minneapolis Post Office. She retired in 2005. Ellen proudly owned her own photography business. She enjoyed capturing special moments through photography and sharing her talent and creativity with others. Faith was of great importance to Ellen; she was a very active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

Ellen had a passion for life and the things she loved most. In her free time, she loved tending to her flowers, and when she was able, traveling with her husband Ron and many of her friends. She enjoyed swimming regularly at the Courage Center, shopping, and going out to eat – especially at the Olive Garden. Above all, Ellen cherished spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dogs. She will be remembered as a tenacious fighter with a strong spirit and a heart full of love for the people and passions that meant the most to her.

Ellen entered her eternal rest on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minnesota, at the age of 83 years, 8 months, and 13 days. Blessed be her memory.

Ellen is survived by her:
Brother-in-law, William “Bill” Braunworth of Plato, MN;
Niece & Nephew, Brad (Michelle) Braunworth of Hosmer, SD, Sonia (Jeff) Kamps of Hamburg, MN;
Great-Nieces & Great-Nephews, Tyler Archer, Blake (Arissa) Braunworth, Dylan (Kianna) Braunworth, Lexy (Austin) Wills, Broc (Emily) Braunworth, Brady Will, Brenna Braunworth, Josie Kamps;
Great-Great-Nephews, Brayden Braunworth, Blayze Braunworth, Ryder Braunworth, Jase Feltmann, Hudson Braunworth;
Beloved Dogs, J.J. and Jersey;
Other relatives and friends from her church.

Ellen is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Strelow; father and mother, Ralph and Gladys Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerwin and Hertha Strelow; Sister, June Braunworth.