Colleen Tank

Colleen Tank (VanHeel) 77 of Ellendale, ND died March 27, 2024, at Benedictine Living Community, Ellendale.

Colleen was born August 20, 1946, to James and Esther VanHeel in Sisseton, SD. She was baptized and attended Sunday School and Confirmation at Bethel Lutheran Church near Peever. She attended grade school at One Road #1 School District and graduated from Peever High School in 1964. She married Roland Tank on June 15, 1968, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton, SD and later divorced.

She moved to Ellendale in 1968 where they lived on the farm. She worked on the farm raising chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. She had a large garden and canned the vegetables. She helped with calving in the spring and with any other things that needed to be done. In 1992 she began working at Ulmers Super Valu for 8 years during which time she moved to Ellendale in 1996. She then was employed at Fargo Assembly until 2015 when she retired.

She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, puzzles and spending time with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Colleen was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Ellendale, Treasurer of Elden Township for many years, 4-H leader when the kids were young and helped on the farm, community and church when things needed to be done.

Survivors include her children: Valerie Tank, Jamestown, ND, Julie (Michael) Elsen, Hecla, SD, Darryn Tank, Aberdeen, SD and Darryl (Deb) Tank, Ellendale, ND; nine grandchildren: Austin, Chelsey, Samuel, Kristine, Harley, Roni, Anna, Abby and Aden; and two great-grandchildren: Grayson and Oliver.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Jerry, sister Judy, and two grandsons Alex and Allen Elsen.