Ellen M. Isensee

Fond du Lac - Ellen Marie (Hanson) Isensee, 77, died peacefully on June 20, 2021, with her final days surrounded by her family. Ellen was born on January 19, 1944 in Minneapolis, MN, daughter of Edward Winter and Mary Alice (Richards) Hanson. She grew up in Welsh Valley and Daneville, near Cataract, WI and graduated from Sparta High School in 1962. She graduated from Madison Area Technical College with a LPN degree, and her first job was at Mendota State Mental Hospital.

Ellen married Wallace Spencer Isensee on August 21, 1965 at Sparta Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Virgil Nulton. Ellen and Wally moved several times due to his Air Force career and education, living and working in Rantoul, IL, Minot, ND, and Platteville, WI. They moved to Columbus, WI, where they were blessed with a son, Scott Wallace, on March 7, 1974. They lived in Berrien Springs, MI for a few years before moving to the Fond du Lac area, where Ellen worked at Nazareth Heights. They moved to Madison, WI, where Ellen cared for extended family and worked at Four Winds Manor in Verona. They returned back to Fond du Lac, in June 1992, where Ellen worked at Fond du Lac Lutheran Home. She finished out her career at St. Francis Home after 45 years of nursing.

Ellen and Wally enjoyed visiting and assisting many neighbors and friends in the area. Ellen has been an active member of United Methodist churches in the various communities where they resided. At Salem United Methodist Church, she has been active in Morning Glory Circle, Bible Study, Loaves & Fish and numerous church events. Ellen is well known for her card and letter writing with her church family and her own family and friends. Ellen and Wally enjoyed traveling all over the United States and to Germany. They also enjoyed camping, family and school reunions, genealogy, dancing, and cheering on Brewers, Packers, Badgers and Bucks.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Wally; son Scott (Anna) Isensee, Menomonee Falls; Grandchildren: Jonah Edward and Audrey Lynn Isensee; brothers: Howard Lee (Carmell Paul) Hanson of Tomah and Chris Edward (Terri) Hanson of Merrimac; sister Amy Jean (John) Ahlstrom, Fond du Lac; brothers-in-law Larry Gale (Marilyn) Isensee, Sparta; Brent Dale (Linda) Isensee, Portage; Glenn Harvey (Susan) Isensee, Minocqua; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Preceding Ellen in death are her parents Ed and Mary Hanson; brother Richard Neil Hanson; in-laws, Harvey Lawrence Isensee and Mildred Mabel (Young) Huber; sister-in-law, Ardyce Jean (Olson) Hanson.

VISITATION: A visitation, memorial service and reception for Ellen will be held on Monday, June 28, 2021, at Salem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan St., Fond du Lac. Visitation with family will be held 1:00-3:00 p.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m. A reception for family and friends will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. Cremation has occurred. Burial will take place at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta, WI.

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are in Ellen's name to Salem United Methodist Church and Henderson Settlement, Kentucky, https://www.hendersonsettlement.com/

Ellen's family wishes to thank the staff at Harbor Haven Health & Rehabilitation for their wonderful care, as well as the Agnesian Hospice, especially Sandy, for the care and love shown to Ellen and her family.

Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fond du Lac Reporter from Jun. 21 to Jun. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Isensee

Sponsored by Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Fond du Lac.

6 Entries

Tom Kaemmerling

December 21, 2022

So sad to belatedly learn of the passing of Ellen and Wally. They befriended my late parents when they retired two doors to the west. Wally and Ellen were my eyes, ears, and wheels in watching out for my parents. Wally would drive my Dad to his doctor appointments when he couldn't or didn't feel up to it. After Mom passed, Ellen would routinely check in on Dad, especially when I couldn't reach him because he had misplaced or had forgotten to charge his cell phone. Always had a good time talking RV's and camping. We were honored to be invited to their 50th Anniversary celebration.

SUE A GRAHL

July 1, 2021

SO SORRY WALLY & FAMILY. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF ELLEN, WE ALL KNOW THIS. SHE WAS A GREAT LADY. I HAVE KNOWN ELLEN SINCE SHE WORKED AT LUTHERAN HOME.ELLEN ALSO TOOK CARE OF MY MOTHER & FATHER & NEPHEN AT THE LUTHERAN HOME FOR SEVERAL YEARS ELLEN WAS GREAT NURSE. ELLEN WAS GREATLY LOVED BY MANY. WE WILL ALL MISS HER DEEPLY. BUT WE ALL KNOW GOD WILL TAKE BETTER CARE OF HER BETTER THEN WE COULD EVER. SO SORRY WALLY AND FAMILY, LEAN ON GOD, HE IS THERE FOR ALL.
COMFORT FOR ALL.
FRIENDS
SUE A GRAHL

Carol (Isensee) Strozewski

June 25, 2021

I was so sad to hear that Ellen had passed away. I don´t live in Sparta anymore but I used to come to some of the Isensee family reunions and met her and Wally there. They worked so hard to make the reunions a memorable experience. My parents Herbert and Dorothy Isensee and my sister Janet especially enjoyed going to the reunion´s also. It was a wonderful time to visit with family we did not see as much as we would have liked to. Thank you again to Ellen and Wally for making the reunions such a pleasure and so much fun. Love Carol

Sue Lien

June 23, 2021

Ellen was a very thoughtful, caring, fun, intelligent, God fearing, and friendly lady. I will miss her terribly. She always remembered me and my family´s birthday, and all holiday´s with a card and hand written personal letter, which I will miss. She was a Registered Nurse for 50 years. Helped and volunteered herself where ever needed. My dearest and heartfelt sympathies go to her husband and best friend, Wally. Her son, Scott and wife, Anna. Her grand children Jonah and Audrey. And her sister and brothers and their family´s.
Rest In Peace, Ellen. I love you and will miss you, until we meet again in Heaven.

Mike & Ann Sorgent

June 22, 2021

Amy/John and family - we are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to Ellen's husband & son and your other siblings.

Pamela Lehmeier

June 21, 2021

My dear cousin Ellen was such an angel on earth. Both she and Wallace made everyone feel treasured. Ellen invariably remembered my birthday and Christmas with a card and engaging note. I will miss those cards, but will be cheered by the knowledge she has gone to Glory.

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