Joanne R. Ellis

Joanne Rose (Waldera) Ellis, 74, passed away Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 at Oakwood Health Services, Altoona, WI under the care of Mayo Clinic Hospice.  

She was born May 16, 1951 in Whitehall, WI to Apolinary “Paulie” and Irene (Kampa) Waldera. She attended Eleva Strum High School until the 11th grade.  

Joanne was united in marriage to James “LeRoy” Ellis on August 14, 1971 in Moose Lake, MN.  

Joanne enjoyed navigating and being LeRoy’s copilot in their owner/operator over the road semi for many years. After retiring and the passing of LeRoy she moved from Sturgeon Lake, MN to Eleva, WI to be closer to her family.  

She also enjoyed listening to country music, watching her favorite football team, the Minnesota Vikings, camping, playing cards, Yatzee, and spending time with her family. She looked forward to her “cousin breakfast” every first Sunday of the month and her biggest passion was listening to Elvis Presley and collecting Elvis memorabilia. 

Joanne is survived by her daughter: Mary Jo (Pete) Rindal, sons: Richard (Doniell) Ellis and Robert (Bobby) Ellis all of Eau Claire, WI. 3 Grandchildren: grandson Kevin (Kelsey) Deetz of Fargo, ND, granddaughter Katlyn (James) Weber of Fall Creek, WI, and Dominic Ellis of Eleva, WI. 7 Great Grandchildren: Eleanore, Iris, Scarlett, Mabel Deetz and Kenley, Hudsyn and Berklee Weber. 4 brothers: Jerome (Shelley) of Hudson, WI, Joseph (Joe) of Independence, WI, James (Jim) and Kenneth (Kenny – known to her has Kermit) Walerda of Strum, WI. 3 sisters: Janet (Dave) Mueller, and Judith (Judy) Abrahamson, both of Strum, WI and Mary (Stephen) Deetz of Rice Lake, WI. Sisters-in-law Beverly (Bev) Waldera of Blair, WI, and Janice Ellis of Kanas City, MO and Brother-in-law: Jerry Ellis of Anoka, MN. 2 God Children: Vicki Gore of Eleva, WI and Patrick Abrahamson of Augusta, WI. (Honorary grandchildren: Derric, Danielle and Devin Becker) Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many cousins.  

Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy, parents Paulie and Irene, brothers: Eugene (Gene), and Ronald (Filla) Waldera, sister: Joyce Christenson, Father and Mother In Law: James (Jim) and Geneva (Jo) Ellis, sister in laws: Deloris (DeeDee) Revord, brother in laws: Hilmer Christenson,  Donald (Donnie) Mueller and Michael (Peanuts) Davidson, nephews: Justin and Keith Waldera, and Lance Christenson.  

Due to Joanne’s wishes there will not be a visitation, or a service held but a remembrance gathering for family and friends will be scheduled at a later date.  

A special thank you to Billy (Erica) Gore for always being there to help out, the staff at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Eau Claire, WI, the staff at Oakwood Health Services, Altoona, WI, the staff, especially Emily, at Mayo Hospice and Hulke Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services.  

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. 

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joanne R. Ellis, please visit our floral store.