Ellen Susanne Frilseth

Ellen Susanna (Heltne) Frilseth age 95, of Roseville, Minnesota, died January 11th, 2025. She was born September 15th, 1929 in Modena Township, Buffalo County, Wisconsin and was the daughter of Erick and Louise (Swangstue) Heltne. She was confirmed on July 12th, 1942 at Lyster Lutheran Church, in Nelson, Wisconsin. She attended North Branch School and graduated from Nelson High School. On September 5th, 1953 she married Paul Henry Frilseth at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. To this union, two children were born: Mark and Karen. From 1967 through 1989, she was the Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors and President of Group Health, Inc. and later for HealthPartners. In 1967, the Como Clinic in St. Paul, Minnesota was the only building owned by GroupHealth. Organized as a medical cooperative, it was the first of its kind. She was a founding member! During her career, she was instrumental in the creation of two corporate awards through her employer; the President's Award which honors outstanding performance, and the Ellen Frilseth Volunteer Services Award which honors the corporate mission. For both, she was the first to be recognized. She earned The President's Award on November 20, 1987. Before retiring, she was the project coordinator for the book, An Enduring Mission; The Story of Group Health. It was published in 1991. Much of the information used to tell GroupHealth's story was taken from its records and minutes which were most likely kept and written by her. The African Violet Society of MN awarded her their Continuing Service Award in 2006 for her dedication to "the growth, propagation and culture of African Violets, and ten years of faithful service." In 2016 she was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership. She was an active show judge and won a "Best in Show" blue ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair for growing a perfectly formed, blooming violet. She was a long-term member and volunteer at Roseville Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minnesota. Most notably, she was the Finance Director during the construction of the newest sanctuary which was dedicated in 1996. Its cornerstone reads, "To God be the Glory." Which is the perfect sentiment about the depth of her faith. Her Christian faith was incredibly important to her as it guided her throughout her life. "Become a shining light for all to see," Matthew 5:16 is reminiscent as she shared her light with each of us. Her departing message: There are in the end three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 Her most loved quote? "This, too shall pass." Preceded in death by her father Erick, mother Louise, husband Paul, son Mark and grandson Brian, four brothers and one sister. She is survived by daughter Karen, daughter-in-law Jody, granddaughter Melinda (Karl) Kise, grandson Christopher, great grandchildren; Grayson, Avery, Haakon, Skyler, Jocelyn and Gage, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her funeral Service is on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 11:00am. Visitation and reception will be from 9:30 - 11am at Roseville Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minnesota. Interment will will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Roseville, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, Memorials are preferred. A special thanks to Presbyterian Homes Management and Staff at Waverly Gardens, EagleCrest and Langton Shores. Under your care, she was blessed beyond measure.

Tributes

Ellen Susanne Frilseth

September 15, 1929 - January 11, 2025

Tributes

Ellen Susanne Frilseth

September 15, 1929 - January 11, 2025

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