Ellen Mae Janda
1930-2025
Ellen Mae Janda, 94, of Medford, formerly from Arlington Heights, Ill., passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at Hemer-Pickerign funeral home. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Following the service everyone is invited to Cravings Restaurant for a lunch and time of fellowship.
Ellen was born in Chicago, Ill., to Albertina and George on June 2, 1930. Her mother passed away when she was three years old and she was raised by her grandmother, Hilda Olson. Ellen married Richard Janda and had five children, Richard, Victoria, James, Phillip and Peter. They later divorced.
Ellen worked many jobs, and always did whatever it took to take care of her children. Ellen was a very talented performer. She could sing, act and dance and boy, was she beautiful. Ellen was also a Veteran of the Korean War and served in the Air force as a control tower operator.
Ellen had a very strong faith. She did not attend church on a regular basis, however, every night you could hear her laying in bed saying her prayers and thanking the good Lord for all that she had. She always, ALWAYS wore her cross necklace close to her heart.
Ellen was the commander of the American Legion post 208 in Arlington Heights, Ill., not only once but four times, 1985, 2011, 2012, and 2017!
Ellen was preceded in death by her daughter, Victoria Hugh; her son, Peter Janda; and her exhusband, Richard Janda Ellen is survived by her children, Richard Janda, James (Pamela Jean) Janda, and Phillip Janda; grandchildren, Rachel (Brad), Kristen (Mike), Laura (Dean), David (Amy), Danielle (Stephan), Allison (Rodney), Samantha (Daniele), Michael (Deanna), Kathleen (Jason), Zabrina (Miles), Rochelle (Scott), Christopher (Nizony), Sheridan, Karissa (Tyler), Sheri; great-grandchildren, Kile, Connor, Scout, Makayla (Alex), Justin (Sheena), Ashley, Alexis, Autumn, Isabel, Tatum, Preston, Paxton, Peyton, Payson, Paislee, Emma Rose, Aksel, Gianna, Gabriella; and great-great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Baylor, Marzena, Azelea, Grace, Willow, Liam, Maddie, Lincoln, Jack and Rhett.
The family of Ellen wishes to extend our sincere thank you to Taylor County Hope Hospice, Our House Senior Living in Medford, and special friends Eddie Burke, Laurie and Jim Rehbein, and Rita Anderson.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 167760
