Ellen Lorraine Bloomgren

MISSOULA ~ Ellen L. Bloomgren, 96, of Missoula, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025 in Missoula. Ellen was born in Libby, Montana August 10, 1929. She was the oldest of three daughters born to Claude and Ruby (Hansberry) Norris. They have preceded her in death. Her childhood was spent in Lincoln County, Montana and five years in western Washington during World War II. The family returned to the Libby area in 1945.

Ellen attended school in Warland and Libby, Montana, and Silverdale, Washington during the war years, returning to Warland, Montana in 1945. She finished high school in Libby. Going to school in Libby meant a long day, thirty-five mile bus ride morning and evening.

She found employment with J. Neils at their logging operation in Warland after high school, and there she met the love of her life, Blaine Bloomgren. They were married July 3, 1950 in Kalispell, Montana, which has resulted in a marriage of 73 years. After a short trip to Minnesota where Blaine grew up, they returned to Lincoln County. They raised two daughters, Janet and Christina. Janet died in March, 2017 from complications from surgery.

Ellen was a dedicated homemaker; her entire life has been wrapped around her own and extended family. There were no better times for her than when she could arrange dinners and special occasions to celebrate with her up to 29-member family. Ellen also made life more enjoyable for her physically handicapped sister Joyce by spending many hours each week with her. Along the way, she developed many other outside interests and hobbies. She was a long-time needle pointer and spent many hours working with ceramics. Her home shows the beauty of these items.

Blaine’s employment in the timber industry brought them to most of the timber producing areas in the U.S and several trips to Sweden. As a couple, they enjoyed the opportunity to meet many people from the various areas. Ellen became active in civic and church organizations in Montana. When they were in Maine, she continued her interests in the same things she enjoyed in Montana. She also attended the University of Maine during their stay there.

She was an active Bridge player and enjoyed these times in the areas they lived. During retirement, she and Blaine volunteered as Meals on Wheels drivers for over 23 plus years.

She was a long-term member of the Lutheran Church and this set a pattern of the life she lived.

Ellen is survived by her daughter Christina (Rich) McElmurry of Missoula; grandchildren Susan (Derek) Schafer of Ritzville, Washington, Patrick (Holly) Fox of Helena, Montana, Blaine (Kristine) McElmurry of Missoula, Montana, Catherine (Travis) Walker of Missoula, Montana; thirteen great-grandchildren and son-in-law, Dennis Fox of Hardin, Montana. Her husband and family members have always been the real treasure during her lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her husband Blaine; daughter Janet and granddaughter Nora Menke.

Her family requests that memorials be made to First Lutheran Church, Missoula, Montana or the University of Montana Foundation, the Blaine and Ellen Family scholarship. Her memorial service will be held at 11 am Monday, November 10, 2025 at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Johnson Officiating. Private burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.