Ellen Secor, of Spragueville, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the age of 71. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29, at St. John Lutheran Church in Preston, Iowa, at 11 AM with visitation at the church an hour prior to the service.
Born on January 24, 1954, to Gerald and Mary Ann (Feelhaver) Secor, Ellen grew up outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Kewaskum High School with the class of 1972, where she was actively involved in 4-H. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, graduating with highest honors. During her time at Stevens Point, she was a member of the International Folk Dancers from 1973 to 1974. Ellen continued to pursue education throughout her life, later earning an associate’s degree in business science and accounting from Draughons Junior College and ultimately a master’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University.
In the late 1980s, Ellen moved to Jackson County, Iowa, where she built a life rooted in service and compassion. She worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor with Iowa Rehabilitation Services- Iowa Department of Education, dedicating her career to helping others overcome challenges and achieve independence. Her kindness and generosity touched the lives of many.
Ellen was a devoted mother to her son, Jordan, whom she loved dearly and was immensely proud of. She was also deeply engaged in her community, serving on the Preston Public Library Board, the Jackson County Historical Society Board, and the Church Council at St. John Lutheran Church in Preston, Iowa. She was also a local board member and supporter of Sharing the Harvest/Growing Hope Globally.
A lover of animals, Ellen cared for a variety of pets throughout her life, including her dogs and cats, as well as chickens, goats, sheep, cows, and ferrets. Her passion for animals was a reflection of her nurturing spirit and love for all living beings. Ellen was always active and loved to run, swim and ride bicycles, competing in several races, including a triathlon. Ellen loved spending time at the YMCA swimming, and she served as a lifeguard and swimming instructor in her retirement. Those that knew her would say she was in constant motion, unless reading, which was another life-long passion.
Those Ellen leaves behind to cherish her memory include her son, Jordan Secor, five siblings, Dale (Elizabeth) Secor of South Fork, Colorado; Robert (Dr. Helen, DVM) Secor, PhD of Stillwater, Minnesota and their children, Andy, Laura, Ethan, Duncan, and Isaac; Dr. Karen Secor, DVM of Kewaskum, Wisconsin; Dr. Linda (Christopher) Mehoke, DVM of Fredonia and their children, Tracy, Sam and Eric; and Sandra (Tom) Koresch of Mukwonago and their daughters, Kelsee and Sara; and great nieces and nephews, as well as, other relatives and friends.
Ellen’s life was a testament to the power of human spirit and the transformative nature of kindness and giving. In her final days she asked, “Why can’t people just love one another and simply be kind and enjoy what we all have in one another and in God’s creations here on earth.”
In lieu of flowers, whether you knew Ellen directly or not, you are asked to express kindness and a giving nature by donating to organizations close to Ellen’s heart. These are but a few: North Bend Community Center, Spragueville Cemetery Association, Spragueville Community Center, Preston Public Library, St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Jackson County Historical Society, the Jackson County Affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the local Sharing the Harvest/Growing Hope Globally organization, the Maquoketa YMCA, and Hospice of Jackson County. Or donate your time, talents or money to an organization you care about.
