Ellen Powers Reihl

Ellen passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of April 5, 2024. She is survived by her sons John and Jeff (Kristin), Grandchildren Audrey (Alex), Alec (Helen), Meade, Great-grandchildren Isabella, Carson, Charlotte and Jacob, her twin sister Martha Lepinski, her sister Mary Jo Reimer (Dennis) and sister in law Jo Marie Powers.

Ellen was born September 19,1934 in Fargo, North Dakota to F. Urban and Becky Powers. Growing up in Fargo, she was an outstanding athlete, becoming the speed skating champion of North Dakota at age 18. She attended the University of Iowa and then, pursuing a career in teaching, moved to Connecticut, where she met her future husband, John J. Reihl, Jr. They were married August 12, 1959 in Detroit Lakes, MN, and moved to Connecticut, where John was born and later moved to Hawaii, where Jeff was born. Next, they moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Ellen returned to school in the early 1970s, earning her master’s degree in American Literature from Georgetown University. She later earned a second master’s degree in British Literature from American University. After earning her Master’s Degrees, Ellen resumed her teaching career, becoming a beloved high school English teacher at West Springfield High School for many years.

As a child, Ellen’s family had a lake cabin in Detroit Lakes, MN, that remained a big part of her life. “The Lakes”, as the region is known to locals, has been a life-long love for Ellen. She returned to Minnesota almost every summer for her entire life, despite living very far from there for most of the year. For her, Pelican Lake was a magical place.

Ellen was a dedicated wife, mother, family member and friend. Her positive outlook on life, generosity and good humor made her beloved by everyone who knew her. She will be sorely missed by all. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads on Sunday, April 28, 2024. A memorial interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.