Marcella Mathilda Mickelson Hebaus, age 94, of Woodbury, formerly of Ellsworth, died Saturday, April 11, 2026 at her residence. Marcella was born on Oct. 14, 1931, at the family homestead in Trimbelle Township, the daughter of Joseph and Barbra (Thom) Huppert. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.
Marcella attended St. Mary’s Big River Parochial School and graduated from Prescott High School in 1949. At a young age, she faced the loss of her parents and was called to grow up quickly, cooking and housekeeping for her brothers, Ted, Joe, and Robert, while they tended to the farm - a responsibility that shaped her strength, resilience, and deep sense of family.
On Oct. 2, 1951, she was united in marriage to Sidney Mickelson at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church. To this union, five children were born: Nancy, Rose, Beverly, Marilyn, and Sidney. Though this marriage later dissolved, Marcella remained steadfast in her devotion to her children and family. She married George Hebaus on April 23, 1994.
Marcella worked at Smead Manufacturing in Hastings. She first worked there as a young woman and later returned in 1973, where she dedicated 21 years to the plastic file folder department as a skilled plastic welder. Her work ethic was quiet, steady, and dependable-much like the life she lived.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Marcella was a devout Catholic whose spirituality carried her through both the joys and hardships of life. She found peace in simple, meaningful things-tending to her vegetable gardens, canning tomatoes, freezing corn, and watching her flowers bloom each season. Morning glories, marigolds, zinnias, tulips, and daffodils were among her favorites, each one a small celebration of life’s beauty.
Marcella was a gifted seamstress who lovingly sewed clothing for herself and her children and provided alterations for others. She also mastered the craft of reupholstering, adding her own special touch to each piece. Her hands were rarely still - quilting, crocheting Christmas stockings, doilies, and potholders, and sharing those creations generously with family and friends. She also enjoyed painting, leaving behind treasured watercolor pieces. Marcella was a proud member of St. Mary, Big River and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and faithfully served with the Altar Society, often helping with funeral luncheons.
She is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Roger) Walz of Hudson and Rose Mickelson of Ellsworth; grandchildren Dan Walz, Brady (Randi) Walz, Mike (Dany) Walz, and Jinny Walz; her husband, George Hebaus; great-grandchildren Jaden, Gabriela, Mia, Nico, Luka, and Lucia; stepchildren Jeanne (Doug) Frederick, Michael (Dyan) Hebaus, Mark (Janis) Hebaus, Nancy Percival, and Karen Cerveny. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Marcella was preceded in death by her children Beverly, Marilyn, and Sidney; granddaughter Elisa Mickelson; her former husband Sidney Mickelson; and her siblings Charles (Marcella) Huppert, Theodore (AnnaMae) Huppert, Clarence (Suzi) Huppert, Herbert (Leona) Huppert, Vera (Gervais) Maier, Angeline (Joseph) Falteisek, Joseph Huppert, Robert(Donna) Huppert and Lillian (Bob) Johnson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Thursday, April 16 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Masses/Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.
Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.
