Ellen Joan Tarkowski

(nee Rudolf), affectionately known as Mumzie and GLL, passed peacefully, surrounded by love on December 19, 2025, at the age of 81. Preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Dolores (nee Herriges) Rudolf and brothers Mark and Joseph. Treasured sister of twelve surviving siblings, her best friends. Beloved mother of Joan (Edward) Miller, Lori (Kirk) Fetzer, Thomas (Jill Waltersdorf), Sandra (Roger - Deceased 2021) Couch, and Stephen (Stephanie). Cherished grandmother of Andrea (Jordan), Nicholas, Peter, Kacie, Cole, Samantha (Jacob), Jake, Zachary, Liesel (Nate), Dana, Logan, Dietrich, Jesse, and Jack. Proud great-grandmother of Tate, Knox, Teagan and Robert. Further survived by many loving nieces and nephews, friends, and a large extended family, including members of the Tarkowski family.

Ellen was devoted to her family and community. She worked numerous jobs, mainly in childcare and several groceries, bakeries, and delis. She was active at St. Roman Parish and could be found volunteering at the festival and holiday bazaar, working as a lunch lady for the school and participating in Christian Women and the church bowling league.

Much of Ellen's life centered on her connection to her large family and taking care of others, family, friends and even strangers. Her late life was focused on valuable time with her grandchildren. She was a lover of sweet treats, baking and eating them - especially chocolate. She was an avid Brewer fan who enjoyed viewing and cheering from home. Ellen equally loved driving her car, taking long walks, and going on travel adventures following her curiosity. As a veteran flutist, her whistling skills were beyond compare, and she would happily whistle a tune upon request. She enjoyed music and dancing, particularly the twist, and when she lost mobility, continued to sing along to music, tapping and moving her body with the beat. Swimming pools and beaches were popular hangouts for this water girl. Playing cards, reading, going to the movie theater were also cherished pastimes. Always exuberant and living life to its fullest, she made friends wherever she went. Ellen will be remembered for her agreeable nature, her laughter, joy, her infectious, mischievous smile and the love she shared so generously with everyone around her, even up to her final days.

Thanks to the host of people who came to know and love Ellen as her caretakers over the past several years, particularly the staff at Eden Vista Greendale and Preceptor Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Alzheimer's or perform a random act of kindness to honor Ellen's generous spirit and desire to serve others.

Visitation at the Funeral Home on Friday, December 26, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Time of Sharing to begin at 7:00 PM. There will be an Additional Visitation at St. Roman Catholic Church 1710 W Bolivar Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53221 on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11:00 AM.