Eleanor Martha Thoresen

Thoresen, Eleanor (Ellie) M (Née Frinken) (1936-2025) of Waukesha. Born to eternal life August 1st, 2025. Preceded in death by her husband Sverre Asbjarn Thoresen, parents Alfred and Elizabeth (Elsie) Frinken, and sister Elsbeth (Beth) Heaney. Survived by children, Karen (Jeff) Braun, Erik (Patti) Thoresen, and Jon Thoresen (fiancé Dianne Reuter). Grandchildren Elizabeth, Kiersten and Ellyn Braun, and Kayla, Jacob Sverre, and Kaitlyn Thoresen. She is further survived by nieces and nephews in the United States and Norway.

In 1955 she graduated from Divine Savior and was a proud alumni. After graduation she traveled to Chicago to attend a Catholic nursing school. She started her career at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, but retired from Woodland Health Center after a long nursing career.

For more than 50 years she was a member of the Sons of Norway. During her time with the lodge she volunteered baking cookies for Folk Fair, worked at the fish dinners, and was a president of the lodge (even though she was 100% German). Ellie and Sverre traveled to Norway multiple times to visit family. In 2004 they traveled with Karen and her family to Norway, with a surprise visit from Jon and Dianne while they were there.

Ellie and Sverre loved to go to Door County for fish boils and the famous Al Johnson breakfast (Swedish Pancakes and Lingonberries) . After Sverre passed away, her children took her there to carry on the tradition.

Ellie loved reading books, crocheting, Brewers, Packers, and Hallmark movies. She especially loved visits from Jon’s dog Chelsea.

Visitation and Mass at Corpus Christi Parish-St Williams Church, 440 North Moreland Boulevard, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188 on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Visitation from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Mass at 11:00 AM. Luncheon to follow.