Ellen M. Reimer (nee Ellen M. Garvey), age 84, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, with her loving family at her side. She was born December 4, 1925, in Freedom, the daughter of the late John E. and Margaret (Nies) Garvey. Ellen married Frank E. Reimer on June 7, 1947, at St. Nicholas Church in Freedom. He preceded her in death Oct. 9, 1986.

Ellen attended the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, where she received Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts degrees in Elementary Education. Her teaching career began in a one-room rural schoolhouse in Outagamie County and spanned 42 years. She spent the last 30 years of her career with the Appleton Public School System, having taught at Foster and Huntley Elementary, retiring in 1988. Early in her career Ellen served as an officer with the Outagamie County Teachers and upon retirement served as treasurer of the Outagamie County Retired Educators. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (honorary teacher's society). She and her husband also owned and operated the family farm in Freedom.

Following retirement, Ellen volunteered at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Thompson Community Center, St. Nicholas CCD, and the St. Paul's Home. She also traveled extensively. Elderhostel took her throughout the world; and her favorite trip was to Australia with her nephew Matthew, sister Mary, and brother-in-law Jim.

Ellen had a deep faith in God, and daily mass was a priority in her life. She knew the mass schedules at churches and chapels throughout the Fox Valley. She was also a regular at the Fox Valley Marian Devotion and the Chalice of Strength prayer group.

Ellen derived much pleasure from her family and friends. She loved being a grandmother to Frank, Amy, Jared, and Jordan and a great-grandmother to Landon. She was loved and respected by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, who affectionately referred to her as their "Greatest Aunt Ellen" or "Big Red."

Ellen was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, St. Nicholas Ladies Society, St. Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary, the Christian Mothers Society, the Golden Agers at Freedom, the Monte Alverno Guild, Ave Maria Court 1011 of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and the Secular Franciscan Order, having served as secretary for many years.

She is survived by her loving and caring son Frank J. (Debbie) Reimer of Freedom; four grandchildren Frank D. Reimer, Little Chute; Amy (Kyle) McMahon, DePere; Jared and Jordan Reimer, Freedom; and great-grandchild, Landon McMahon. She is further survived by brother-in-law, James Hopfensperger and sister-in-law, Sylvia Reimer and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Frank E.; sister, Mary Rose Hopfensperger; brother-in-law, Robert Reimer; parents John & Margaret Garvey; her husband's parents, Frank & Esther Reimer and step-father William Kimball.
Visitation for Ellen will take place at ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH (W2037 County Rd S, Freedom) on Monday October 18, 2010 beginning at 2:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass of the Resurrection at 5:30 p.m. Father David Hoffman and Father Joseph Diermeier will be concelebrating. Entombment will be in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. A memorial is being established. Ellen's family would like to thank Patti and the staff at Grand Horizons and Southern Care Hospice, especially Jody and Stacey, for the loving care given to her in her final weeks. Also, thank you to all her family and friends who gave their support in visits, calls and prayers.

What she longs for she now sees, what she hoped for, she now possesses, in heaven she is espoused to Him, whom on earth she loved with all her heart.