November
20,
1937
20,
1937
February
20,
2023
20,
2023
November 20, 1937 – February 20, 2023
Ellen entered into rest peacefully surrounded by family on February 20, 2023 in Omaha, NE at the age of 85. Ellen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend.
Ellen is survived by children Kim (Chuck) Carroll, Kevin (Michelle) Kaipust, and Kris (Travis) Knudsen, grandchildren Jeff, Sam (Marissa), and Laura Carroll, Katie and Abbie Kaipust, Kyra and Bryce Knudsen, great granddaughter Imelda Carroll, sister Norma (Lee) Pletke, brother Al Hudek, sister-in-law Clarene (Kaipust) Crocker, and other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles F. Kaipust, parents Ralph Hudek Sr. and Ellen “Mae” (Yocum) Hudek, sisters June, Isla, Betty and Harriet, and brothers Don, Ralph Jr., and Dan.
Ellen was born on November 20, 1937, in Pocahontas, Iowa to Ralph and Ellen “Mae” Hudek. She grew up on the family farm with her 9 brothers and sisters. Being the sixth in the line of sisters, she spent most of her time doing chores and activities outdoors. She raced her siblings to be first in line when the swimming pool opened in the summer so that she could be the first one to jump off the high diving board. In high school, she was co-captain of the basketball team her senior year, played the clarinet and piano, was a football cheerleader, acted in school plays, sang in the choir and was a member of the student council.
After graduating from high school in Pocahontas in 1955, she moved to Omaha and attended the Commercial Extension Business School. After graduation she worked for John Deere as an office assistant.
As Ellen was shopping for literature about becoming a nun she met a young man who worked in the store by the name of Charles F. Kaipust, and her future changed. She married Chuck on August 27, 1960 at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic in Pocahontas, Iowa. They were married for nearly sixty years.
Ellen loved traveling with her family. She enjoyed being outside with nature whether it be hiking in the mountains, camping, fishing at Lake McConaughy, or going on hot dog roasts with her grandkids. She was the best cheerleader for her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends at sporting events and other activities.
One of her most admirable qualities was her unselfish need to give to others. She volunteered her entire life and touched so many people with her sparkling eyes, kind words and compassion. She exhibited this up through her final days where her care and concern for others was always first. Ellen’s Catholic faith was the core of her being. The family remembers being on vacation and always seeking out the nearest Church to attend Mass. She spent many years as a Eucharistic Minister at Church, hospitals, and homes.
A Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church with a Memorial Mass to be held at 11:00 AM following the visitation. A luncheon reception will immediately follow Mass in the school cafeteria at St. Bernard’s. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ellen’s life. Those wishing to honor her life can make a memorial donation to St. Bernard’s Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Ellen will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska in a private family service at a later date. Services entrusted to Braman Mortuary, Omaha, NE.
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