Ellen Sepnafski

Ellen Jean Sepnafski, known as “Bunny” by those who love her, passed away peacefully at home with her husband Bill by her side on Saturday, September 26th at the age of 72. Bunny was born on July 26th to parents Robert and Jean Hanley in Madison, Wisconsin, and later moved to Neenah where she was a graduate of Shattuck High School (class of 1971). Bunny attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh, graduating with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. Bunny later attained her Masters in Technology. While attending UWEC, Bunny met her husband Bill. Bunny and Bill were married on August 10, 1974 in Neenah and recently celebrated their 51st Anniversary this past August.

Survivors include daughter Megan (Van Epern), her husband Luke, and their children Sam and Olivia of Minneapolis; son Rob, his wife Becky (Stoffel), and their children Colby and Hunter of Kenosha. Bunny is also survived by her brothers Jim Hanley and his wife Marla of Melrose; and Tom Hanley of DePere, in-laws Mary Leschke of Manitowoc; Mark and Marla Sepnafski of Wausau; Patricia and Dino Martinez of East Lansing, Michigan; and Nancy and Gary Kaderabek of Manitowoc. In addition she is survived by ten nieces and nephews, their spouses, and children.

Bunny loved spending time with family and friends, teaching, antique shopping, books, dogs, and hiking. She always had a book in hand, coffee or wine in the other, and her dog by her side. She enjoyed hiking the many beautiful paths of Wisconsin, and Ireland during her trip there with her husband and dear friends. She enjoyed laughing while playing games, sharing stories, cooking and baking alongside family, finding treasures while antique shopping, and cheering on her grandchildren in all their endeavors. 

Bunny’s passion for learning was shared with her students and adults alike through reading & writing, her humor, and her creative mind. Selected as Teacher of the Year, and sought out as a presenter and consultant at state and national levels, her impact was far-reaching in the learning community.

Bunny’s devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, and her friendship, was a life-long gift and will be deeply missed by all. A special thank you to Dr. Kelsey Kienert, the team from Compassus, and the staff at the St. Paul’s Elder Care in Kaukauna. Not to be forgotten, “The Golden Girls". The smiles and warmth from all of you always brightened her day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, Elisha D. Smith Public Library in Menasha, or St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, so that others may continue to enjoy the organizations that brought Bunny so much joy throughout her life. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.