Ellen S Janikowski

Ellen Sue Janikowski died peacefully at her home on her 75th birthday, April 30th, 2024. She was born on April 30th, 1949, to Herb and Sue Gripentrog in Marshfield, Wisconsin. She graduated from Newman High School in 1967. Ellen attended UW Marathon County and later graduated from the Wausau State College of Beauty Culture. Ellen married her high school sweetheart, Ron Janikowski on August 29th, 1970.

Ellen worked in the beauty salon industry for several years, leaving to raise her children Jeffrey and Jillian until they were school-aged. She started a new career in the health insurance claims industry with Wausau Insurance and ended with Wausau Benefits paying health care claims before retiring in 2009.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and many well-loved family dogs, especially Mabeline. Survivors include her husband Ron, her two best friends and beloved children Jeffrey (Char) and Jillian Moore (Dane), her goldendoodle Herbie, and her grand pups Suki, Titus, Belvedere, and Luanne. Other survivors include her sisters Mary Laffin (Gordie), Barbara Lattimer, sisters-in-law Pat Wagner (Harold), Dorothy Wagner (Herb) and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her countless other children as she welcomed every friend of her children into her life with open arms.

Ellen enjoyed reading, social media, the many dogs she loved over the years, but most of all, her family. She enjoyed many years of summer weekends camping on Lake Nokomis, going on pontoon boat rides, and taking walks with her dogs. She was devoted to helping her children through life and providing the best home possible to her furry friends.

Ellen was so generous; she’d give you the shirt off her back, or the book off her lap. She was also the most empathetic person, always fighting for what is right, especially homeless pets and people.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that all gifts, memorials, etc. be donated to the Humane Society of Marathon County in her honor.

As per her wishes, there will be a private celebration of life held for immediate family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com