Viola "Vi" V. Nell

Viola “Vi” V. (Entzminger) Nell, 95 of Ellendale, ND died January 4, 2025 at Benedictine Living Community, Ellendale. A memorial service will be held 10:30am Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Paul Preus officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service. There will be a private burial at Ellendale City Cemetery in the spring. Vi’s service will be live-streamed here on her obituary page.

Viola Violet Entzminger, the youngest daughter of Jacob and Katharina (Reich) Entzminger was born November 28, 1929, on their Family farm in Northeast Swede Township, in LaMoure County, North Dakota. She attended Sunday School and Church in the same area, and attended grade school in Swede Township country schools and graduated from Kulm High School in 1947. She then attended the Dakota Business School for two years, landing her first job as the office manager for Kee Brothers Ford-Mercury in Ellendale on February 12, 1949. Vi was baptized, confirmed and became a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ellendale. in March 1952, where she remained a member until her death. She and Theodore “Ted” Nell were married on October 14, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church. This union was blessed with 5 Sons; Ellis (Butch), Dwain, Craig, Brent and Alan, who died on June 3, 1969. Vi later worked at the Ellendale Memorial Hospital (1953-64), First National Bank (1964-81), Brost Implement (1983-84), County Deputy Register of Deeds and Taxes (1984-98). She retired in September 1998. Vi was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, making cakes for their birthday celebration for over 50 years and also active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She was a HUGE proponent of both group’s poppy programs and served on the American Legion Baseball board for 18 years. Vi was known to send homemade cards to friends, family and others for special occasions or whenever congratulations were in order. Two Dollar bills often accompanied each card. Vi’s Boys were important to her. They all participated in sports. She was an avid fan and was an Ellendale Wrestling Mom and proud of it! Vi passed away after a stroke. Her death was preceded by her Parents (1959), Husband Ted (2004), Son Alan (1969), along with her 4 Brothers (Bernie, Emil, Roy and Paul) and her Sisters (Adele Wattenphul & Ruth Gahner). She will be missed by her Family and the Ellendale Community. 

Obituary supplied by the family.

To watch the service live: keep moving down this page and watch for a black box. At time of the service, click the red area to start the live stream. Please note the service is also recorded and saved here for viewing at a later time.