Ellen Mae Jaeger- Selk

Ellen Jaeger-Selk, age 86, of Leeds Center (Poynette), passed away on August 1, 2025. She was born on December 26, 1938, in Janesville, MN. Ellen married the love of her life, Stanley Jaeger in Pennsylvania on August 5, 1967. They were married for 31 years until Stanley’s passing on January 15, 1998. They lived in PA for a year and then moved to Wisconsin to make a permanent home for their children, Dan and Debbie. After Stan’s death, Ellen was fortunate enough to find another kind soul, Sheldon Selk. They had been married for only five years when Sheldon passed away from cancer. From that time, Ellen lived very independently and fiercely on her own until her passing. You could find her cooking, canning, doing yard work, planting flowers, cutting wood, doing crafts, spending time with her children and grandchildren, conversing with the neighbors and locals, dancing at any event, attending meat raffles, playing cards with her card club, or anything that she felt would be fun. She also liked to occasionally visit a casino and loved to visit at the country taverns that were close to her home.

Ellen was a petite lady with lots of sassiness. Always had a joke or two to share with others. She was a hard worker her entire life and always put her family first. She had a love for family and friends and would welcome anyone into her circle. If you were fortunate enough to know her, you would cherish your friendship and treasure your moments with her. Her personality, passion for others, and unwavering love will be truly missed by all.

Ellen passed the way she always intended… in the comfort of her own home, her own bed; surrounded by her loving family and close friends. Her passing was a glorious reunion with her loved ones and friends that preceded her death while taking her last breath to the song Amazing Grace.

Ellen was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Leeds. She loved the Lord, and her faith carried her to the end. As she reached older age, she loved the visits from the Pastor in her home and always told everyone that she received a visit that day from Pastor Scott. She always knew that her Lord would take her home to eternal life.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Debra Lopez (James McCrary), grandchildren Jason Leatherberry (Courtney), Amy Leatherberry, great grandchildren Cashton, Elaina and Case. And very close friends of the family Robin Anderson and Adam Leathers.

Ellen is preceded in death by her husbands, Stanley Jaeger and Sheldon Selk, parents, three brothers Ervin, Louie and Donald, and two sisters, Shirley and Darlene. Also, her beloved son, Dan Jaeger.

A special thank you to all who visited with her for the last few days of her life. Her special friends, Mark and Amy Maier, Mo, Bonnie and Tracey, and many others. Pastors from Zion Church, Pastor Jen, the special nurses and CNAs from Heartland Hospice, your wonderful compassion for my mother will never be forgotten. And, to Adam…. we could not have done this journey without you. You were truly a treasure to mom, and we will always be grateful for your loving care that you extended to her. She truly loved you as one of her own.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, W6906 County Road K, Arlington, WI. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, WI. And then again, one hour prior to the service at church.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

 Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
6924 Lake Rd
DeForest, WI 53532
1 (608) 846-4250