Eleanor Kay Halkowski

Eleanor Kay Halkowski passed away to eternal life on April 27th, 2025, at Waterford Senior Living at the age of 87. She was born to the late Wallace and Eleanor (Marquardt) Hawley on May 15, 1937. Eleanor married Phil Halkowski on April 18, 1959, and was a devoted, loving wife for 65 years.

Eleanor spent a lifetime caring for others. She was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother. She loved spending time with family and always supported her children, never missing their many athletic events, forensic meets, or recitals.

She was always there for us and took pride in making a loving home. She took great care to make each occasion and holiday special. In addition to her work as a homemaker, she worked at the telephone company and later for the St. Francis School District. Mom really enjoyed parties and “goings-on” and loved going out to dinner with the family. She loved a good party and, in fact, often insisted on it.

Everyone who knew her well described her as a sweet and kind lady. She had the patience of a saint. She loved her siblings and enjoyed spending time in Wausau with them. We will never forget the enormous Hawley Thanksgivings at her sisters’ homes with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins. She also enjoyed luncheons with her dear friends Jennifer Mertz, Diane Rourke, and Carol Chavez, as well as going on junkets with her sisters Arlene, Carol, and Janet.

She is survived by six children: Timothy (Susan) Halkowski, Kay (the late Mark) Hurley, Thomas Halkowski, Jean (Tim) Grzegorczyk, Karen (Robert) Rick, and Todd (Michelle) Halkowski. She is also survived by her siblings Dennis (Kay) Hawley and Carol (the late Gary) Oslage. She loved her many grandchildren, and the feeling was mutual: Nick, Ben, Scout, Henry, Nora, Jessica, Lisel, Jack, Hannah, and Harrison. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter Lucia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Eleanor; her brothers: Wallace Hawley, Loren Hawley, Donald Hawley, Roy Hawley, Neil Hawley, and Jerry Hawley; and her sisters: Arlene Feck and Janet Abt.

A visitation will be held for Eleanor on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:25 a.m. at Integrity Celebrations Center (2789 Browns Lake Dr, Burlington, WI 53105).

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Eleanor's memory to a charity of your choice or to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization close to our hearts.