Ellen San e lma Krzyzewski (Lundgren), age 88, a resident of Wheaton, IL, for over 50 years, was called home on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at Central Dupage Hospital, Winfield, IL. She was born March 1, 1932 in Chicago to Eva and Andrew Lundgren who were Finnish immigrants.

Ellen grew up on the North-side of Chicago , w here her and her family have fond memories of Wrigley Field and the surrounding area.   She grew up playing the piano, attending movies, and socializing at dances. She met her late husband Robert at a dance in Twin Lakes, WI. They were married on October 11, 1952 and then moved to Ft. Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska where Robert was stationed.  She quickly taught herself how to cook and found her sense of independence.

Shortly after coming home to Illinoi s , h er son Robert Jr was born. Ellen thrived being a loving and caring Mother to Robert Jr. In 1966, Ellen and Family moved to Wheaton from Chicago and opened a small convenient food store. While owning the convenient store, and raising a family, she heard her calling to become a n educator . From there she went on to earn her bachelor's degree with a Major in English and graduating with her master's from Depaul University in 1987 . After dedicating many years to speaking at seminars, teaching junior high school and college courses she was able to retire.

During retirement s he had the opportunity to enjoy spending time with family, being a food y , partaking in bible study, attending theater , supporting Finnish culture, and hosting dinner parties. She was a loving, nurturing, determined, generous woman, who always had the willingness to learn and educate . She was a loyal parishioner at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton for many years.

Sh e is survived by h er son , Robert Jr. (the late Cynthia) Krzyzewski, six granddaughters, Jennifer (Tom) Gowen, Carly (James) Funk, Katie (Jeremy) Joiner, Jackie (Ed) Kwiatkowski, Barbara Krzyzewski, Kirstin Krzyzewski, h er only grandson, Joseph Krzyzewski , h er 8 great-grandchildren , and her sister Lila(the late Al) Peters.

Sh e was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents, her brother s Weik k o , Ben, and sister, Eva .

There will be a graveside service at Assumption Cemetery in Winfield, Illinois for immediate family.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 10 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.