Eleanor J. Rogness

Eleanor J. Rogness of New Berlin passed away peacefully on Monday, March 12, 2018 at AngelsGrace Hospice surrounded by her family at the age of 75. She was born in Oconomowoc on April 4, 1942 the daughter of Lawrence and Arnetta (nee Crandall) Klawes. On November 17, 1979 she married Ray Rogness at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc. Eleanor worked for various restaurants in Waukesha as a waitress including Denny’s and Sambos, and also was as a regional trainer for Denny’s. She retired from Ameriprise in 2016 due to health problems. Eleanor enjoyed riding with her husband Ray in his truck. She will always be remembered for her artistic ability to create beautiful pen and ink drawings and ceramic pieces. She found great joy in teaching ceramics classes at La Terraza.

She will be sadly missed by her husband of 38 years, Ray of New Berlin, her children, James III (Linda) Newkirk of East Homer, NY, Richard (Karin) Newkirk of Waukesha, Dannette Belcher of Waukesha, Gregory (Kathleen) Newkirk of Jefferson, William Newkirk of Braidwood, IL and Cynthia Hemm of Oconomowoc, son-in-law Romaine Smith “Junior” of Jefferson, 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother, Wayne (Jane) Klawes of Oconomowoc, sisters, Beverly (Roger) Lindsay of Ixonia, Evelyn (Robert) Robel of Oconomowoc, Diane Schroeder of Watertown, brother-in-law Patrick Murphy Sr. of Oconomowoc, sister-in-law Cathy Klawes, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter Tammy Smith, brother Roger Klawes and sister Elda “Blondie” Murphy.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to nurses and staff of ProHealth Home Hospice and AngelsGrace Hospice for their care and compassion in Eleanor’s final days.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 17th from 12:00 noon until time of the 3:00 p.m. memorial service at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha.