Nina Ellenbecker, born on July 8, 1948, in Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by love, empathy, and — we assume, a healthy dose of cable news. Raised on Front St near Pierce Park in Appleton, WI. Nina grew up in a lively neighborhood full of lifelong friendships, with families like the Moores, Garveys, and Moellers. Growing up she loved visting her cousins the Courtneys at their river front property on the Fox River. Where the Ellenbeckers & Courtneys would boat, water ski, listen to music, laugh, and soak up the sun for hours on end. She attended Xavier High School and went on to work for her father, the entrepreneurial John Ellenbecker, at his furniture store, as well as his funeral home in downtown Appleton. She also proudly served as a devoted childcare provider and caregiver, always making time for family.

Nina was known for her energetic smile, her love to laugh, her kind spirit, and a cable news addiction that rivaled any political analyst. She never missed an episode of 60 Minutes in 56 years, and she could listen to hours of Trump coverage while simultaneously reminding everyone in the room how much she couldn't stand him — a skill that truly deserves its own cable news segment.

A woman of contradictions and charm, Nina never once drank, smoked, or even tried a slice of pizza — yes, you read that right. She managed to live a joyous life fueled entirely on ham sandwiches, buttered toast, and endless purrs from her cat Jerry.

Nina had an iconic style that could make Jackie O jealous and a laugh that lit up the room. Whether she was watching Dancing with the Stars, cheering on tennis matches, or curling up to a Hallmark movie, Nina did it all with class — and a warm blanket.

She never married, but she loved those around her deeply. After her mother Shirley passed, Nina grew especially close to her nephew and caregiver, John Schuh. John followed in his grandfather's entrepreneurial footsteps, building his own successful business, Badger Painting & Home Improvement, where Nina proudly worked by his side. Together, they continued the family legacy of hard work, high-quality, and self-autonomy.  She also shared a deep bond with her family, especially in her later years caring for her mother Shirley, brother Joe, and sister Mary as they all battled cancer. Nina was a warrior — a joyful, resilient force who showed grace in suffering and humor in hardship.

One nurse from Oak Ridge Gardens remarked, "Many patients pass, but when Nina passed, it was different. I'd never seen so many nurses with tears in their eyes." That's the kind of soul she was — unforgettable & uniquely charming, even in her final chapters of life.

Nina had a dynamic crew of friends, including Gloria Deinert, Bernice Junge, Maureen Radtke, Karen Knauf, Suzanne Blum, and Marilyn Gebhard. These women were her sisters in spirit, her cheerleaders, and the ones who kept her laughing during the darkest times.

Over the years, Nina also formed deep and meaningful bonds with several caregivers who became loving family. She cared for them as much as they cared for her. Brittany Battisti, Kevin Gilbert, and Marsha Schuh were more than personal aids — they were trusted companions, dear friends, and part of her inner circle of love and laughter.

We would also like to thank everyone on Facebook who offered their thoughts, prayers, and encouragement over the years. Nina faced many health challenges from serious falls to terminal illnesses, her journey was one of resilience, strength, and grace.  Nina believed a part of her sucess was due to the outpouring of prayers and support from friends & family on Facebook.

She is survived by her sister Ann Meyer, brother-in-law Dan Meyer, nephew and caregiver John Schuh, and nieces and nephews Carolyn, Kathryn, and Matthew Meyer. She is reunited in heaven with her beloved mother Shirley, father John, sister Mary, brother Joe, & nephew Patrick Meyer.

While Nina's life might not have included the wild thrills of late night drinking parties or even late-evening pizza parties, it did include some music. Believe it or not, Nina was a diehard 2pac fan  — a fact that delighted and baffled many. So it's only fitting we leave you with a lyric from 2Pac:

"Life's a mess, don't stress, it's a test, be thankful that you're living — blessed."

Nina's memory will live on in every laugh, every golden buttered piece of toast, and every Hallmark movie left playing in the background. She was one of a kind. And we were all lucky to have her.

A memorial service will take place at 5:30 pm on Saturday, May 31, at the Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel.  Friends may visit at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 4 pm until the time of service.