Elaine Amundson

Elaine Sophie Marlys Ouren Amundson, age 96, of Rothsay, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Pelican Valley Care Center in Pelican Rapids, MN. She was born January 24, 1929 to Oscar and Eunice (Shirley) Ouren at the home of her great-grandfather, Gunder Shirley.

She attended Rothsay School for 12 years, graduating in 1947. After graduation she attended Interstate Business College in Fargo. She took a stenographic position at the Standard Oil Company of ND in Fargo. Elaine was an excellent secretary and in 1964, she returned to part-time employment as one for Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay for 23 years. Then as the secretary to the Rothsay High School principal for five year and ended her secretary career after working at Oscar Parke Insurance for six years.

She married James "Jim" L. Amundson on June 10, 1950 at Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay. They made their first home near East Grand Forks, MN where Jim was a herdsman with the Otto Schroeder Farms and later for Art Greenberg Farms with their registered Herefords. In 1952, they moved to Redondo Beach, CA for three years before returning to Jim's home dairy farm near Rothsay. During semi-retirement they began spending winter months in Mesa, AZ. They treasured their square dancing and AZ friends. She enjoyed most crafts, cake decorating, knitting, crocheting, folk art painting, quilting, and Hardanger embroidery. She taught Sunday School and served offices in Circles and Ladies Aid through the years. Her genealogy of the family has been a special project that she loved.

Elaine and Jim were the proud parents of three loving children, Jerry (J'nell) Amundson, Ron Amundson (Marj), and Elodee (Don) Hudon. They have nine grandchildren, Jenna (Jake) Skifstad, Anthony (Elizabeth) Amundson, Haley (Ryan) Klemcke, Emilie (Paul) Ihland, Ben (Evonne) Amundson, Matt (Melissa) Amundson, Marie Hudon (Gene Stein), Aimee (Kenny) Rivard, and Mark (Meghan) Hudon. They have been blessed with 19 great-grandchildren, who called her Bestemor (Norwegian for grandma), three step-great-grandchildren, and four step-great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Deanna Ouren and Lillian Amundson, and many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim of 72 years; her son, Ron; parents, Oscar and Eunice Ouren; grandparents, Harold and Sophia Ouren and Martin and Emilie Shirley; infant sister, Hyla Mae Ouren; brother, DeWayne Ouren; sister, Shirley Ouren, and grandson, Bricker Bergeson.

Blessed be the memory of Elaine Amundson.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026 at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Randy Whitehead

Interment: Hamar Cemetery, Rothsay, MN in the spring of 2026

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com