August 25, 1940 – February 7, 2026
Eleanor Maureen “Ellie” Van Hauen-Nielsen, 85, of Charles City, Iowa, passed away peacefully under the care of St. Croix Hospice on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Floyd Grace United Methodist Church, 701 1st Avenue, Floyd, Iowa, with Pastors Dave Hill and Rhonda Higby officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City in the spring.
Ellie was born on August 25, 1940, the daughter of Richard and Genevieve (Bobst) Buttjer. She grew up attending Midway Country School and later attended Charles City High School, graduating in 1959. In her younger years, she worked as a waitress at Don’s Cafe in Charles City and also helped run the family smoke shop.
On October 9, 1960, she married Billie Roger Van Hauen. Together, they raised four children. Ellie spent many years working at Salisbury, also known as Cambrex, as well as Prichard Law Office. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Floyd County Medical Center and faithfully assisted during every voting season at the polls.
After losing the love of her life, Billie, in April of 1995, Ellie later met Gale Nielsen at an airport terminal while both were traveling to Reno, sparking a new connection. The two were married on June 13, 1999, and continued their adventures together through motorcycle trips, attending Sturgis, gardening, camping, and sharing a love of good food. Ellie was a proud member of Legion Riders motorcycle club and often participated in the Patriot Guard for Veterans.
Ellie was known for her sassy spirit, outgoing personality and always being on her motorcycle. She rarely met a stranger, and if she did, they weren’t a stranger for long. It was obvious to everyone that Ellie had a love for people and God.
Those left to cherish Ellie’s memory include her children, Billie (Dawn) Van Hauen Jr., Annette (David) Hadley, Jolene Van Hauen, and Timothy Van Hauen; grandchildren, Coy (Rachel), Dylan (Alex), Dakota (Ben), Chris, Jason (Katie), Kelli (Josh), Alyssa (Cully), Grant, and Brooklyn; seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way; her brother, Richard “Dick” (Connie) Buttjer; along with other extended family members and friends.
Ellie was preceded in death by her husbands, Billie Roger Van Hauen Sr. and Gale Nielsen; her parents; her brother, Larry Buttjer; and her grandsons, Drew and Garrett.
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