Ellen Ann Nedvidek

Ellen Ann (Markegard) Nedvidek, 83 of La Crosse passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Ellen was born March 14, 1933 in La Crosse to T.C. “Ted” and Inga A. (Larson) Markegard; a depression era baby named after both of her grandmothers. Ellen’s parents separated when she was two and she spent her first thirteen years in the Houston, MN area on farms with many fond memories there including the basement stone school house in Yucatan, the Baptist Church (While the high school had finishing touches) and the high school. Oh my goodness, the wonderful times Ellen had living in Yucatan Valley and then a half mile out of Houston, the Nelson homestead. Ellen attended Lincoln Junior High and then graduated from Central High School in 1951. She then attended Coleman Tech where she studied business and other night classes.
Ellen chuckled about all the great men in her life including her uncles; Ole, Melvin and Art (the bachelors); Nels, Charles and Leon; cousin, Johnnie; husband, Rudy and sons Kevin and Darin. They certainly made up for lacking a father image.
Ellen and Rudy were married on January 21, 1961 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Her work history covered many areas; Dairyland Power, Heileman’s Brewery, Concordia Ballroom and many store demos. She was most proud of her volunteering over 30 years as a mobile meals driver and the Altar Guild at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Ellen’s favorite times were spent camping with family, cookouts, bus trips, Christian Women’s Group, craft shows, flea markets, antique shops, greenhouses and bakeries. She also enjoyed many school functions as her family grew. She was a charter member of the Old Style Polka Club, American Legion Post 52 Auxiliary and VFW Post 1530 Auxiliary.
Ellen Ann is survived by her husband Rudy; children, Kevin John Nedvidek of La Crosse, Shelley Ann (Steve) Dolan of La Crosse and Darin Alan (Stacia) Nedvidek of Shakopee, MN; five grandchildren, Kristin and Justin Nedvidek, Brittney and Matt Dolan and Lili Nedvidek. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, May 19th at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Mark Jolivette officiating. Entombment will follow in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church. Memorials are suggested to Coulee Region Humane Society, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or the Old Stone Church in rural Houston, MN.