Ellen Mae Weldon, 85, of Medford passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026 surrounded by her four daughters.

 

Ellen was born and raised in Medford. She was born to Edward and Viola (Stendel) Kraus on May 20, 1941. She spent her younger years loving life, helping take care of her little brothers, and lending a hand on the family mink ranch. She graduated from Medford High School the “Class of 1959”. That same year she met the love of her life William (Bill) Weldon on Rib Mountain and on October 17, 1959 they were married. They spent 66 years together until Bill’s passing on December 6, 2025. In those years they raised four daughters and lived a simple, content, and full filled life.

 

Ellen worked various jobs in her younger years which included cleaning the Sacred Heart Church in Stetsonville for 25 years, cleaning homes in the Medford area, but her most rewarding work was being a homemaker. She would stay up late at night sewing clothes for her daughters, crocheting matching vests, and never had a birthday party without having less than two homemade doll cakes. She always made birthdays and holidays extra special for her entire family.

 

She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and was especially proud and honored to have babysat some of them. She always said, “Those were my best days”. She loved each one unconditionally. Becoming a great grandma and then a great-great grandma made her proud.

 

Her most loved hobby and true passion were her flower gardens. Each year adding “just one more pot”! She spent countless hours tending to her gardens and was extremely proud of her yard and also loved the compliments she received. She also had a soft spot for animals especially kitties and bunnies. You would often find her cutting up apples, bread, and oatmeal to feed them. In her free time she loved playing canasta and got pretty competitive at the game. Bill and Ellen spent many winter months playing the card game and logging their wins.

 

Ellen is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Ted) Lekie, Debra (Isiah) Sherman, Wendy (Todd) Geiger, and Lisa Mengel; her brother, Ken (Sue) Kraus; 12 grandchildren, Jennifer (George) Webb, Joshua (Gina) Lekie, Jared (Lacee) Roiger, Anthony and Travis Brost, Autumn (Ben) Brunner, Trevor (Karissa) Geiger, Trenton (Krista) Geiger, Trey (Maddie) Geiger, Austin (Shelby) Mengel, Zachary (Tianda) Mengel, and Alex (Heidi) Mengel; 12 great-grandchildren, MaKayla (Brandon) Lodahl, Devon Ludwig, Jessica (Michael) Ludwig, Dawson Webb, Emma, Grace, and Ellie Lekie, and Jerry “J.J.” Isacc, and Hank Roiger, Bryer Geiger, and Kristen Mengel; 2 great-great-grandchildren, Hollywood and Thor Lodahl.

 

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, William; parents, Edward and Viola Kraus; sister, Sarah Czerniak; brother, Michael Kraus; grandson, Jesse Lekie; sons-in-law, Richard Brost and Keith Mengel.

 

A celebration of life will take place on August 8, 2026 at the Seidl Center, 819 South Gibson St. Medford, WI, from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.