Virginia Ellens

Virginia “Ginger” Ellens, 51, of Beaver Dam, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024.

Ginger was born December 23, 1972 in Appleton, placed by adoption in the home of her loving parents, J. Lee and Virginia “Gini” Ellens on March 6, 1973. Ginger was a sparkling, fun loving little girl. She attended Alto Reformed Church as a child and in her youth, and later Edgewood Church in Waupun. She was a graduate of Waupun High School, Class of 1991. Ginger was employed at various places. For two summers she ran games at carnivals and said that was the most fun. The last 13 years she was employed at Kraft in Beaver Dam, working in the sanitation department, and the last two years as a team lead. Friendships with her co-workers were very special. Ginger was blessed with common sense, was mechanical, was kind, and had a very sharp mind. She loved cats and was happy to be called “the cat lady”. On January 2, 2024 she had a major heart attack and was taken to UW Cardiology with heart failure and was there for 20 days. She then went to UW Rehabilitation Hospital for 15 days. Ginger was then discharged to her parents home where she stayed for 9 days and went to the St. Luke’s Hospital where they were told she was eligible for a heart transplant. After much thought and prayers she decided she would not want a heart that could go to someone who had a family. Having been through so much and not wanting to go through any more pain and misery she chose to live out the last days God would give her. She was transferred to Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa.

Ginger is survived by her parents, J. Lee and Virginia “Gini” Ellens; brother, Joel Ellens; two nephews; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ginger was preceded in death by her grandparents, Milton and Virginia Krohn, and Joe and Florence Ellens; two uncles; one aunt; and a special friend, Bradley Boggs.

Funeral services for Ginger Ellens will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 at 5 p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun with Pastor Mike Giebink officiating. Burial will take place at Alto Cemetery at a later date.  Friends and relatives may call on the family on Friday at the funeral home from 2-5 p.m. Fellowship will follow the service.