28,
1944
13,
2024
Ellen Merlis, 79, of Sun Prairie, WI, passed away on September 13, 2024. Ellen Bernice Kowalcyzk was born in Chicago, IL on October 28, 1944, much of her childhood was spent in LaCrosse, and later, Kouts, Indiana. Ellen returned to Chicago for nurse’s training, and there met her husband, Tony Merlis, and several lifelong friends. Early in their marriage, Ellen and Tony moved around the country while Tony completed his medical training and service in the US Navy. They settled in Hanover, NH for a decade, and it was there that their two daughters, Abigail and Jennifer, were born, and where they made some steadfast friendships. They later relocated to Madison, WI where they lived for over 20 years.
Over the years, Ellen and Tony moved several times between NH and WI. They also spent time at their home in Dorset, VT, and several months each winter in Bradenton Beach, FL where they enjoyed socializing, attending local theater and concerts, taking community courses, and enjoying the Gulf.
Loving travel, Ellen and Tony explored the world with their friends and family.. They visited Europe several times and adventured to Antarctica and Thailand, as well as having a lovely trip to South America to visit friends in Chile. Ellen and Tony also loved to host dinner parties at their home, explore the vibrant cultural scene in Madison, and, over the years, regularly attended performances at the Madison Repertory Theater.
Ellen was a voracious reader, eagerly devouring nearly everything she discovered, though she was particularly fond of history. After moving to Sun Prairie last year, she joined a local book club, which helped her meet some new people after the passing of her husband. Ellen had a fondness for cats, and had recently adopted a furry friend, Simba, who became her new companion.
Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Mary Ann Griffith, her parents, Bernice (née Kizior) and Albert Kowalczyk, and, just last year, her husband, Tony. She is survived by her daughters Abigail (Ben Kalow) and Jennifer, her nephew David Griffith and his wife Theresa, her brother-in-law Daniel Merlis and his wife Deany Laliotis, nephews Steven (Maura) Merlis and Jonathan (Emma) Merlis, her sister-in-law Lorrie Ober, and brother-in-law Bob Ashe.
Per her wishes, no funeral service to be held. Interment to be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the organizations below in memory of Ellen:
World Literacy Foundation https://worldliteracyfoundation.org.
Dane County Humane Society https://www.giveshelter.org.
Farley Center Natural Path Sanctuary https://farleycenter.org/nps.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434