Elise Walleser

Elise K. Walleser, 30, of Madison, WI, died Sunday, May 4, 2025, of natural causes. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 10th, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, IA, with Fr. Jospeh Sevcik officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery, Lansing. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until the time of services Saturday at the church. In honor of Elli's favorite color, all are invited to wear a splash of coral or orange to celebrate her vibrant life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the East Side Alano Club, to support the new roof project that Elli was passionately working to raise funds for before her passing. Please mention Elli or Roof in the memo. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing is handling arrangements.

Elise Kristine Walleser was born on October 17, 1994, in Milwaukee, WI, the beloved daughter of Kristine Walleser (Cepek) and Robert Walleser. She grew up in Brookfield alongside her siblings, Olivia and Jed Walleser, where she remained a constant joy to her family.

Known to those who loved her as Elli, she earned her undergraduate degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse and went on to complete her Master's in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a career she aspired to for as long as her family can remember. Her work reflected deep compassion and commitment to the well-being of others; traits that were evident in everything she did. She worked for the Central Wisconsin Center, where she helped coordinate the care and advocacy of residents with severe disabilities, as well as their families. This type of work, advocating for those so often forgotten in society, took a one-of-kind spirit to endure.

Elli's devotion to others spread beyond just her occupation. She also graciously served as a director at her local Alano Club, supporting recovery and connection in her community. She was a bright pop of color everywhere she went! Her home was filled with thoughtful, beautiful collages she created and eclectic treasures that matched her bright spirit. She delighted in estate sales, making art, and nostalgic movies and books. Elli would never miss a walk or a concert!

Elli is survived by her loving parents: Kris and Bob; her sister Olivia and brother Jed; her maternal grandparents: Joan and Jack Cepek; as well as countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is also mourned by her devoted boyfriend, Devin Kestell; his mother Deb; father Chris; sister Caitlin; and aunt Carrie. Her cherished cat, Mojito, can also not be forgotten. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Dolores Walleser; and her grandfather, Edwin Walleser.

She left no soul untouched by her persistent understanding, kindness, and work ethic, and will be remembered for the quiet strength with which she overcame many great challenges throughout her short life.