Ellen Welden-Crisci Obituary
Ellen Welden Crisci was born on October 2, 1961, and she passed into eternal life on September 20, 2025. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Peter Crisci, and was blessed with two children, Emily and Cato Crisci. Also survived by her brother Bill (Barbara Ann), Stuart Welden, in-laws Frank, Christie, and Craig. She's loved by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and coworkers. Joined by the Crisci family; Maurice, Salvatore, Mary Jo, and Mrs. Guiseppa Crisci. Known to many as Nelle Nedlew in her early years. A violin player, animal lover, and sun worshiper. She studied Information Technologies at Milwaukee Area Technical College and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She retired from her IT position at Western States envelope company and later devoted her time to Habitat for Humanity. Her love was fierce, friendship was like the sun, advice was sound, and her comfort was given without request. She was thoughtful and courageous. Always doing puzzles, playing card games, singing silly songs, traveling, learning, and exploring. Ellen had a wealth of knowledge about an array of subjects; astronomy, sea turtles, plants, computers, and even British royalty. She loved things that challenged her and even family members that challenged her. As her mother, Olyve's, health declined, and Ellen became the core of her care, the sharp edges of youth softened into a deep sense of empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. While caring for her mother, Ellen became a parent and a partner. She was thrilled with her binary code baby, Emily Claire, who entered the world shortly before marrying, and they added Cato James to the family two years later. She gave them the childhood that she never had, two parents that made their children a priority. She studied what all was offered and gave them the best, summer programs, daycare, vacations, and schools. She was the tour guide to fun! Ellen believed in people, family, equality, and opportunity for everyone. She wanted the best for people. Thoughtful, curious, smart, funny, and willing to tell wildly inappropriate jokes at any time. She had a comedic timing one would have to pay close attention to, or you would miss the slow, sly, smile that would end in booming laughter.
A Celebration of Ellen's life will be held on Wednesday, October 8th at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home, (N85W17937 Menomonee Ave. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051). The visitation will start at 11:00 o'clock, with service at 12:00 o'clock and reception to follow. In her final journey, she will be reunited with her mother, Olyve, who shared her political passion. Joins her father Paul, who gave her a love for adventure. She will also be joining her brother Hugh, along with Aunts and Uncles. The Rishel family always loved to get together.
(Menomonee Ave is under construction and the funeral home main entrance is open for traffic coming westbound from Appleton Ave. but not east bound. There are two other entrances to the Funeral Home. One is on the east side off of Shady Lane and the other is on the southwest side off of Town Hall Rd.).
