Ellene Edna Caramanidis

Ellene E. Caramanidis, 92, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026.

Ellene Edna Radke Caramanidis was born June 1, 1933, on her family's dairy farm in Brandon, Wisconsin, the daughter of Mildred (Baber) and Oscar Radke. She graduated from Brandon High School in 1950 and worked as a secretary at Rueping's Leather Company in Fond du Lac. She later married Mike Caramanidis, the love of her life, whom she met on a blind date.

Ellene had a strong Christian faith and was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church. For many years, she volunteered at Zion's 2nd Chance Thrift Store and at Bethel Home.

Above all, Ellene loved caring for her family. She enjoyed sewing and made many quilts for Lutheran World Relief, each one stitched with care and generosity for someone she would never meet. She was also known for her baking. It feels especially fitting that she passed on Pi Day, as she was known for her homemade pies-especially pecan and fresh raspberry pies made from berries she picked in her garden. At family meals, she would often say with a smile, "If everyone takes a little more, it will all be gone."

She is survived by her son, Tony (Teresa) Caramanidis of Conover, WI; her daughter, Susan (Thomas) Bruski of Oshkosh; three granddaughters, Emily (Nicholas) Berndt, Sarah (Franklin) Forseth of Oshkosh, and Samantha (Brandon) Hunt of Eagle River; and six great-grandchildren who brought her great joy: Brandon, Claire, and Charlotte Berndt; George Forseth; and Kayce and Mason Hunt. She is also survived by three nieces, Sandra, Barbara, and Melinda, and a brother-in-law, Alex (Winifred) Caramanidis.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mike; her parents, Oscar and Mildred Radke; her in-laws, Nicholas and Gramatiki Houliasmano Caramanidis; her sister, Beulah (Myron) Hollander; her brother, Alfred (Merlyn) Radke; her sisters-in-law, Mary (John) Hendricks, Helen (Howard) Klein, and Ann (George) Protogere; and her brothers-in-law, Anist and Gus Caramanidis.

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 20, at Zion Lutheran Church, 400 N. Sawyer Street, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jeffrey Knoll officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park. A memorial will be established.

The family extends special thanks to the wonderful staff at Evergreen, especially those in Manorview, as well as Pastor Woods at Evergreen and Pastor Knoll at Zion for their care and support.

Ellene's quiet kindness, steady faith, and the warmth she brought to every table will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.