Ellen Runnoe

Ellen M. Runnoe, 69, of Wausau, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

She was born on May 29, 1954, to James and Mary Ann (Gleichner) Schmitt, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Ellen grew up in Two Rivers, WI attended Roncalli High School. She enrolled in college at Silver Lake and went on to graduate from St. Norbert’s college in 1976.

Ellen was a school teacher for 40 years teaching at Amburg School in Wausaukee School District for 2 years then moving and teaching at Rib Mountain Elementary school in the Wausau School District for 38 years as a second grade teacher. Ellen completed her master’s in education from Silver Lake College. Being a teacher was Ellen’s passion, she brought her entire class for field trips to her home for “Frog day” and sledding & ice skating adventures.

She dedicated her life to her faith, family and students. She took pride in raising her five children and cheering on their endeavors. All three of her sons played football for Newman Catholic High School and rain or shine she was always in the stands cheering and yelling with excitement “That’s my son!”. Every Sunday she would ensure the family would attend mass and then cheer on the Green Bay Packers.

She loved to sew, she cherished sewing matching clothing for her family, Halloween costumes for her children and beautiful quilts. Each year family would attend the quilting expo in Madison and connect for “Sip & Sew” weekend. She loved to celebrate with loved ones and create traditions. Ellen and her husband hosted a Pumpkinfest party for over 34 years. The gathering consisted of skits with pumpkins, a bubble blowing contest and songs with kazoos. Ellen loved any reason to be together with family.

Ellen was a lifetime member of the USRSA (United States Running Streak Association) a club in which you run at least one mile every day, which she did for over 10 years. She completed many 5K’s and two half marathons - one of which she ran with her husband and all five of her children.

Ellen is survived by her mother, Mary Ann Schmitt; her husband, Lorrin Runnoe; her children, Alison (Mark) Herseth, Adam (Victoria) Runnoe, Mark Runnoe, Mary Runnoe and John (Danielle) Runnoe; her 9 grandchildren: Nora, Maggie, Sarah and Matthew Herseth; Haley, Emily, Luke and Benjamin Runnoe; and Nicholas Runnoe; 10 siblings: Ruth (Steve) Wrolstad, Rev. Carl Schmitt, Jim (Dona) Schmitt, Bill Schmitt, Sara (Clark) Meyer, Tom (Pat) Schmitt, Rachel (Brian) Schauf, Tony Schmitt, Becky (Kevin) Jorgensen and Leah (Zach) Timm.

She is preceded in death by, her father, James Schmitt; and siblings Bernard and Frances Schmitt.

A visitation will take place at Helke Funeral Home on Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A funeral service will take place on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 11:00 am, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Rothschild, WI. A second visitation will take place on Friday, from 10:00 am until the time of services at the church. A burial will follow services with a luncheon to follow.