Splett, Ellen Mary (nee McDonald)
August 4, 1939 – December 9, 2014
Age 75, of Mahtomedi, MN (formerly of Lakeville, MN, and Tampa) died December 9 while in hospice care, surrounded by her family and friends. Ellen was born August 4, 1939, in Marshfield, WI, to Lawrence and Eleanor (Michels) McDonald. She graduated from Aquinas High School in LaCrosse, and married LaDon Splett of Onalaska, WI, in 1957. Don and Ellen, together for 45 years until Don’s passing in 2002, were 37-year residents of Lakeville and retired to the Tampa area in 2002. In 2012, Ellen returned to live in Minnesota. She is survived by two sons, Larry (Deb) of Luck, WI, and Stephen (Connie) of Lutz, FL. Ellen is the treasured grandmother of Jamison (Catherine), Katelynn, Breanna, McKenna and Benjamin. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ellen was preceded in death by devoted husband Don, her parents, and two cherished sisters, Laurette “Letty” Chick and Margaret Dalton. In loving, faith-centered partnership with Don, Ellen – mostly as a working mother – made a happy, nurturing home for her family. One that provided invaluable guidance, security and life lessons for her sons. She will be remembered for unfailing devotion to and care for others, always living the best-possible example of a genuinely selfless daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. As residents of Lakeville, after moving from LaCrosse for Don’s job at Continental Machines in Savage, MN, Ellen and Don were active parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church. Her time in both Minnesota and Florida was filled with numerous friendships that remained all-important to her. Ellen’s family is very grateful for the care, support and friendship provided by Coventry Senior Living staff and residents, Fresenius Medical Care of Maplewood, Gentiva Health Services, Bluestone Physician Services, Dr. Raymond Poor, and a wonderful parishioner support network at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, at St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi, Minn (651-426-3245). Visitation at 10 am. Mass at 11 am. Luncheon following the mass. Interment will be in Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorials to the American Diabetes Association.