Obituary of Eleanore J McDonell

Eleanore “Ellie” K. McDonell (nee Knoll), of Waukesha and formally of Ironwood, MI, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the age of 91. Ellie was born on January 8, 1928 to Waldemar and Elizabeth Knoll. On February 23, 1952, Ellie married T.H. McDonell, M.D. She completed her high school education at Ironwood High School. She attended Eastern MI and graduated with a degree in education from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. After her graduation, Ellie worked as a teacher before becoming a homemaker to raise her family. Ellie was involved with several organizations including the Waukesha Service Club, Beacon Lights, Meals on Wheels, and Boy Scouts. Ellie was a longtime member of the Waukesha Catholic Church parishes. She also enjoyed photography, nature, hiking, gardening, bridge, and golf. She even hit a hole in one! Ellie will always be remembered for her witty and dry sense of humor.

Ellie will be deeply missed by her children, Howie (Lisa), Wally (Kim), Jace (Lisa), Todd (Jenny), Jane (Steve) Hunter, Chas (Kali); grandchildren, Christopher, Kelley, Rachel, Jonathan, Andrew, Reid, Duncan, Gavin, and Nilia; great grandchildren, Nathan, Claire, Jameson, Rowan ,Finn, and Maeve. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, T.H. McDonell M.D.; sister, Mary Richards and brother, Waldemar “Wallie” Knoll.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, July 12, 2019 at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha, WI with an open house from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00p.m. Short words from family at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Waukesha Service Club, 1444 S. West Avenue Waukesha, WI 53189, Angels Grace Hospice, N74W35908 Servants Way Oconomowoc, WI 53066, or to the University of Wisconsin Foundation Parkinson’s Association, University of Wisconsin Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox, P.O. Box 78807 Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807 or visit https://stemcells.wisc.edu/make-a-gift-2/.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family.  For further information, please call 262‑542‑6609, or for directions, an online obituary, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com.