Ellen Hammen

Ellen Hammen (formerly Vanden Heuvel, nee Bouressa), 84, Little Chute, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Ellen was born on May 12, 1941, in Little Chute, to the late Clarence and Regina (Verstegen) Bouressa.

On July 27th, 1963, Ellen married the first love of her life Noel Vanden Heuvel.   They raised 3 children and enjoyed 34 years of marriage until Noel passed on November 2nd, 1997.    On September 24th, 2005 she married the second love of her life Edward Hammen after both had lost their spouses. 

Ellen worked for Kimberly Clark after high school and later Aid Association for Lutherans.   While supporting family and working, she also obtained her bachelor’s degree from Concordia University.  She enjoyed time with family and friends, spotting the first Robin of spring, painting, living on the water, outdoor activities of all kinds, and every kind of sweet treat, but especially ice cream. 

Ellen is survived by children: Daniel (Gail) Vanden Heuvel, David (Lynn) Vanden Heuvel, and Erin (Greg) Vandenberg; step-children Gracie (Joel) Mueller, Edward Jr. (Jenifer) Hammen, and Frank (Candace) Hammen; grandchildren: Nick (Maggie) and Noel (Tamar) Vanden Heuvel, Claire (Michael) Hermsen; Mitchell (Hannah), Will (special friend Halie Hermsen) and Charlie Vanden Heuvel, Allison (Noah) Schmidt, Libby, and Logan Vandenberg;  Alex (Alyssa), Ellie (fiancée Zack Seay), and Noah (fiancée Natalie Tyley) Mueller, Teagan (special friend Mac Doherty), Tatum (special friend Mason Young ) , and Trayden Hammen, Peyton, Rylee, and Madison Hammen; and great-grand children Emberlynn Young and Mae Vanden Heuvel;  siblings: Janet Janssen, and Jayne (David) Smits, in-laws Mona Bouressa; Priscilla Vanden Heuvel, Nancy Vanden Heuvel, Linda (Lyle) Hansen, Bruce (Betty) Hammen, Lois (Tom) Ciske, Mark Hammen, and Nick (Deb) Hammen. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Regina Bouressa; her first husband Noel Vanden Heuvel, her second husband Edward Hammen; siblings James  Bouressa, Phillip Bouressa and Carol Janssen; and in-laws Birdie Bouressa, Ken Janssen, Les Janssen, Harold and Marian Vanden Heuvel, Roman and Marge Vanden Heuvel, Merle and Jayne Vandenberg, Ben Vanden Heuvel, Gus Vanden Heuvel, Roger and Carole Vanden Heuvel and Vicki Hammen. 

Ellen’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Country Villa in Little Chute and Moments Hospice for the loving and compassionate care that was given to Ellen.  Additionally, we are so grateful to her sister, Janet and niece, Becky Jansen.  The time you spent with mom meant more to us than words can express.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. John Nepumocene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.