Ellen Mae Igl-Hegner

Ellen Mae Hegner, age 75, entered the presences of Jesus on April 22, 2024, surrounded by those who loved her and will miss her.  Ellen’s courageous battle with cancer ended and her joy truly began. She was born on August 18, 1948, in Appleton, to the late Russell and Evelyn (Mach) Steinfeldt. The family moved to Antigo in 1949, when Russell was transferred there while working on the railroad. Ellen graduated from Antigo High School in 1966, and soon after began a family. She lived in around the Madison area while raising her children. In her 40’s Ellen enrolled at Cardinal Stritch and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. She worked for the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections as a financial specialist.

Ellen had a passion for classic cars, and often attended meetings of various auto clubs including the Nicolet Region Model A Club, the Waupaca Old Time Auto Club and the 2-Cylinder Tractor Club and the Packerland Chevy Club. She was a member in the Wisconsin Region Model A Club, but often travelled up to Appleton to join in their meetings. During those years, Ellen began a friendship with Robert Hegner and his wife Kathy. 

Following Kathy’s passing Bob and Ellen got married on August 18, 2018, Ellen’s 70^th birthday. Ellen, Bob, and other family members had many adventures attending NASCAR races, checking out classic cars in various car shows, and attending Model A club meetings.  There were many bus trips filled with laughter and fun! Coincidentally, Bob and Ellen had the same model vehicle in the same color! Bob and Ellen together began restoring a car and spent hours driving to visit friends and family. Usually, the meet and greets began with a trip to Dick’s or Charlie’s Drive-in Hortonville, for ice cream!

Ellen loved the Tulip festival in Washington, and often tried to coordinate trips to visit daughter Laurie to the festival. She also enjoyed the cranberry festival in Eagle River.  A collector of Hallmark ornaments, Ellen’s tree was always weighed down with all her finds. She loved to make candy and guarded her recipe stash like the cards belonged in a vault (even though the recipes started with her sister Pat!). 

Ellen is survived by her husband Bob; children: Laurie (Steve) Farnum, Troy Igl, and Ryan (Carrie) Igl; grandchildren: Aaron (Naomi Stansberry) Farnum and Emma Igl. She is further survived by siblings: Beth Knapp, Patricia (special friend Gary Koehnke) Hubert, Eugene Steinfeldt, Susan Monson, Daniel Steinfeldt, and Lynn (fiancé Richard Vermeern) Long; sister-in-law Carolyn Steinfeldt, stepchildren: Tina (Rob) Hemiller, and Michael Hegner; step grandchildren: Brittany Nehmer, Brandon Pompa, and Callie Sweeney; 2 step great grandchildren; her Aunt Dorothy Mach and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

She was met at the Gates of Heaven by her parents, siblings: Thomas Steinfeldt, Jerome (Susan) Steinfeldt, Scott Steinfeldt; and brother-in-law James Knapp.

A time of gathering will take place on Friday April 26, 2024, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home-Tri County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St, Fox Crossing. On Saturday April 27, 2024, a celebration of Ellen’s Eternal Hope will take place at 10:00am at Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oakridge Road, Neenah. Friends and Family may gather at the church from 9:00am until the service begins. Ellen will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park.

Ellen’s family extends immense gratitude to the entire Hospice Group at ThedaCare Hospice, her therapist at Valley Spine and Sport Kelly Ashbeck, ThedaCare Cancer Center, and the staff at Calvary Bible Church for their constant support and care.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Old Glory Honor Flight or Vets & Friends of Wisconsin in Ellen’s memory.