Ellen Mary Kramer, age 95, of Hudson, WI passed away on September 16, 2024 at Woodland Hill in Hudson. Ellen was born on September 24, 1928 in Oshkosh, WI, to parents Ray and Mae (Lemke) Wynen. Ellen graduated from Oshkosh High School and started working as an administrative assistant.

She met her future husband, Dale, at the funeral home where he was apprenticing on the day of her grandmother’s funeral. They were married on September 3, 1950, and together they owned and operated Kramer Funeral Home in Hudson for 25 years. They were active members of First Presbyterian Church and raised their family in the community. Ellen worked for the State of Minnesota in their tax division, and later for 3M as a sales coordinator before retiring in 1993.

Ellen found immense joy in giving back to her community by volunteering, particularly by assisting the elderly with their taxes and ensuring they reached their appointments on time. Her compassionate nature and selflessness touched the lives of many.

Ellen’s passion for exploring the world led her to embrace new adventures, from ice skating on and swimming in Lake Winnebago in her younger years, to traveling to elder hostels along side her husband Dale. She cherished these experiences as they allowed her not only to see the world but also to learn from it. Her passion for travel extended to special trips with each of her children, creating lasting memories.

Ellen enjoyed sewing and knitting, and made many of her own clothes and even knitted herself a coat. She also loved reading, especially when indulging in her favorite snack from her giant popcorn bowl. She found great joy and blessing in being a grandma and great grandma.

Ellen will remain in the hearts of her children Julie (Bill) Heaton, Daniel (Gayellen) Kramer, Laura (Dan) Kaye, and Mary Kramer; grandchildren Joel (Julie) Heaton, Jared (Mallory) Heaton, Jason (Bethany) Heaton, Beth (Wil) Trapp, Alisha (Thomas) Boever, Michelle Kaye, and Natalie Kramer; great grandchildren Blake and Savannah Kramer, Beckett, Michael, Carter, Jude, Jack and Annie Heaton, Theo, Charlie and Liesl Trapp; her special boy, Marley and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dale, infant daughter Judith and sister Elaine Miller.

A funeral service for Ellen will be on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hudson. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00p.m. with a service starting at 2:00p.m. Internment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 25 at 10:30. Memorials are preferred to the family and to be dispersed among some of Ellen’s favorite charity organizations.