Ellen L. Opsteen

On the morning of July 24, 2026, God called an angel home.

Ellen L. Opsteen was born on September 10, 1946 to Joseph and Eulalia (Steidl) Schwalbach.  She spent her formative years in Sherwood, graduating from Kaukauna High School in 1964.  Ellen married Leonard J. Opsteen on April 27, 1966.  She was blessed with six children: Leonard M. (Deborah) Opsteen, Anthony (Laura) Opsteen, Ellen M (David) Van Groll, Christopher Opsteen, Dominic (Nicole) Opsteen, and Anne (Casey) Hagman.  She doted on 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  She had a tremendous impact on all of them and her example will continue to influence their lives.  

Ellen touched countless lives during her forty year career at St. Elizabeth hospital as an OB technician.  She will be remembered as someone who cared about others and wanted to help as they heal.

Ellen will be missed by her immediate family as well as her sister, Marianne Heckner; her brother, Frank (Peggy) Schwalbach; her sisters-in-law, Mary Schwalbach and Nancy Schuh; and her brother-in-law, Donald (Linda) Opsteen.

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Eulalia Schwalbach; her parents-in-law, Leonard and Susan Opsteen; her brother, Joseph Schwalbach; her sister, Susan Palm; her brothers-in-law, Thomas Heckner, Raymond Palm, Paul Hietpas, Roger Hietpas, Edwin Schuh, and Bernard Schuh; and her sisters-in-law, Margaret Hietpas, Patricia Hietpas, and Rose Schuh.

A private family funeral service will be held in accordance with Ellen's wishes.  She will be laid to rest at Holy Name Cemetery in Kimberly, WI.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established on Ellen's behalf in the name of the St. Elizabeth Auxiliary.