Fischer, Ellen Kay (Evans)

Ellen Kay (Evans) Fischer, age 76, died on July 18, 2024. Ellen was born on March 10, 1948, to David & Anna (Ryan) Evans. Ellen attended her early years of school in Ridgeway, WI until her freshman year of high school. Ellen then lived with her sister, attending Mineral Point High School, graduating with the class of 1966.

Ellen was a football and basketball cheerleader, a fact that was memorialized in a March 16, 1974, Capital Times article for the boys' state basketball tournament.  Throughout her life, she was the biggest cheerleader to all those she loved.

Having the opportunity of being a Pointer meant Ellen would meet her forever loves. She created and maintained many friendships that lasted throughout her lifetime. On the first day of freshman year, Ellen met her best friend, Linda Murphy. At the time, they did not realize they would spend the next 62 years talking to each other daily, sharing every birth, death, challenge, and joy.

During her Junior year, she fell in love with the Prom King, Ronnie Fischer. On June 7, 1969, on a beautifully dark and stormy day, Ellen married that high school sweetheart at St Paul's Catholic Church in Mineral Point. Together, they created a strong family of three children and seven grandchildren. Ellen's heart broke when she lost her love on December 10, 2010, and her heart shattered when she lost her youngest child, Ryan, on June 27, 2023.

After high school, Ellen worked as a secretary. She would spend every lunch hour shopping around the capitol and State Street in her high heels. Later, Ellen would accompany her husband in building and co-owning Country Side Market in Mineral Point. In 1985, while raising three (adorable) children, Ellen proudly earned her degree as a computer programmer in Information Technology. Ellen "ran the county" as the first female Director of Information Technology for Iowa County. Ellen eventually joined two of her children in IT at Lands' End, where she retired in 2005 to help care for her first grandchild.

Ellen was a woman of many talents. She was always up for a shopping adventure, a crafty challenge,  and was the first to offer help or plan special surprises for those she loved. Fun Nana created beautiful family keepsakes, made special birthday cakes, and threw exciting family gatherings. Ellen was honest, even - or especially - when you may not want her honesty. She was a goddess of the sun, adoring the beach and a good summer tan. She was not what most would consider an 'artist' but she could draw a family tree within minutes of meeting someone new. She had a unique talent for turning a stranger into a friend with one conversation.

She absolutely loved being a Nana and was affectionately nicknamed "The Nanarator". 

Before Ellen's broken heart, just as she demonstrated in her early cheerleading career, she walked through life with vibrance and a smile. Fulfilling her lifetime goal, she will always be remembered as being "cute and fun to be with". 

The Nanarator will be greatly missed by her son, Craig (Ashley), grandsons Leo, Zane, and Lugh, of Noblesville, IN; her daughter, Carissa, grandchildren Evan (Kendall Kilpatrick) and Brianna; and her daughter-in-law Tammy, grandchildren Joseph and Ella, all of Mineral Point. Her dear sister Sharon Sutter of Ridgeway and big brother David (Jean) Evans of Frisco, TX will also miss her dearly.

Ellen was extremely proud of being the "favorite" aunt to her many nieces and nephews: Jeff (Kathie) Walsh, Jim (Lynn) Walsh, Mary Jo (Steve) Coogan, Julie (Jerry) Cassidy, Jill (Gary) McGuire, Jay (Cory) Walsh, Ann (Tom) Brunker, Laurie (Roy) Gutowsky, Steve Johnson, David (Jennifer) Evans, Debbie (Scott) Wheeler and Rob (Lesli) Evans. 

Ellen was greeted in death by her husband, Ronnie, and son, Ryan David; her mother, Anna (1953); and her father, David (1984). She was also preceded by her sister, Jeannine (Evans) Walsh (2017); her brother-in-laws Laverne Johnson (1975), Jerry Walsh (2008), David Sutter (2022), and Mickey Leo Fischer (1980); niece Shelly Evans (2014); her parent-in-laws, Donald "Gooney" (2002) and Lula (Skidmore) Fischer (2003); her beloved grandmother, Ellen "Nellie" Ryan (1954) and grandparents Jesse Evans, Daniel Ryan, and Bridget Crossen. 

The family would like to thank the Upland Hills Hospice team for their dedication, compassion, and guidance throughout the last five months of Ellen's life journey. You made it possible for her family to grant her biggest wish - to die comfortably in her home of 51 years, surrounded by her children.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Ss. Mary & Paul Catholic Church in Mineral Point.  Fr Tafadzwa Kushamba will officiate.  A Celebration of Life reception will be held at Eliza's Lounge (52 High Street) following the service. The Gorgen Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Gorgen Funeral Home 

www.gorgenfh.com