Mary Ellen Eslien

Mary Ellen (M.E.) Eslien (née Merline) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 28, 2026. She was 82.

Born December 21, 1943, Mary Ellen was the oldest of Dr. Gerald and Frances Merline's twelve children. She observed her father attend to patients upon his return from military service and took on responsibility quickly in helping her mother look after her young siblings. She often reminisced about their family home on Wisconsin Street in De Pere, alive with a constant stream of family and friends who were always welcome to stay for dinner. They always managed to make one more spot at the table.

She fondly remembered friends from St. Frances Grade School and St. Joseph's Academy, Class of 1962. Inspired by her father's medical practice, she pursued an education in X-Ray Technology, trained at Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh and worked at St Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI.

Soon thereafter, Mary Ellen was skiing at Pine Mountain where she met the love of her life, Dean Eslien. With a signature flair for the dramatic, she "accidentally" skied into him then wrote her phone number in the snow on his windshield. It was no surprise when he called, as she told it, since she knew it was meant to be. They were married on August 28, 1965, and began building a life and love that would span 61 beautiful years.

To Dean, she became M.E. - an adoring wife and devoted mother to Heidi, Dean Jr., Scott, and Robert. The family moved to Abrams and established Windrow Farm, where M.E. curated a most loving home open to all family, friends, and neighbors. An excellent cook, she was adept at preparing all the wild game that showed up in her kitchen over dozens of hunting seasons. She set picnics for her children on their land, welcoming their horses to graze in the yard alongside them. She always had time to play and encouraged her children to explore freely, so long as they promised to share the treasures they discovered upon their return.

M.E. and Robert shared an especially deep, enduring bond as she dedicated her life to his care. Together, M.E. and Dean's generosity over decades supported special education and programs for those with disabilities across Oconto and Brown Counties, including Syble Hopp School, Aspiro Inc., and Special Olympics. To Robert's friends, and later their grandchildren, M.E. and Dean affectionately became "Mis Emy and Old Father".

Mis Emy and Old Father replicated the best of their childhoods for their family and lifelong friends. Just as all were welcome on North Wisconsin Street, so too were they ushered in with a warm hug and a sweet treat to the farm in Abrams, the cottage on Thunder Lake, and the condo in Siesta Key. Whether hosting for a few, or a few hundred, M.E. had a special gift for making people feel welcomed and loved. Their home, dazzling every Christmas, mirrored her joy and warmth. She blamed the elves, but the magic was hers.

M.E.'s greatest joy was a summer day spent with family at Thunder Lake, which became a gathering place for generations. Childhood memories became treasured tradition as her grandchildren grew up there, enjoying midnight swims, pontoon rides, and Sunday lunch. In winter on Siesta Key those became walks on the beach, tide pool scavenger hunts, and boat rides on the intracoastal. Wherever she was, she loved watching the sunset and always sealed it with a kiss.

Mis Emy was an exceptional grandmother, and infinitely proud of her grandchildren. Rarely a week passed without a hand-written note from Mis Emy in the mail. She cheered the loudest in gymnasiums and auditoriums. She spent patient hours teaching her daughter and granddaughters knitting and needlepoint, sharing what she inherited from her grandmother and creating exquisite, knitted heirlooms of her own.

A 30-year breast cancer survivor, M.E. demonstrated quiet strength throughout her life. In later years, she faced health challenges with grace, supported by the love of her family.

Mary Ellen is survived by her beloved husband Dean Eslien Sr.; cherished children Heidi (Tom) Kitslaar, Dean Jr (Cathy Therrien), Scott (Julie), and Robert Eslien; adoring grandchildren Hannah Kitslaar, Joseph (Stephanie) Kitslaar, Benjamin Kitslaar, Elizabeth Kitslaar, Katherine Kitslaar, Nicholas (Alyssa) Eslien, Al Therrien, and Claire (Alex, Grant) Luther; loving siblings Ann (Chuck) Meyer, Judy (Doug) Martin, John Merline, Kathy Johnson, Jeanne McKenna, Jim Merline, Molly (Todd) Laverty, Susan (Kevin) Pasterski, and Bob Merline; brothers-in-law Howard (Sharon) Eslien Jr. and Clark Steinhardt; sisters-in-law Marianne Rider and Maureen Merline; and many dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Dr. Gerald and Frances Merline; siblings Marilynn "Meg" Steinhardt and Tom Merline; father- and mother-in-law Howard Eslien Sr. and Bernice Eslien; and brothers-in-law Dan Rider and Tim McKenna.

A note of special thanks to the care teams at Bellin Hospital, Care Patrol, The Cottages at Lake Park Marinette, Moments Hospice, and Jones Funeral Service whose kindness, expertise, and compassion enabled peace and dignity for Mary Ellen at the end of her life.

Our Mary Ellen, M.E., Mis Emy will be greatly missed and always remembered for her warmth, generosity, devotion to family, and the way she made others feel deeply loved.

Her family will gather privately to honor Mary Ellen's life.

A memorial fund has been established in Mary Ellen's name for the benefit of Syble Hopp School. Checks may be mailed to the school (755 Scheuring Rd, De Pere, WI 54115) or donations may be made online (https://www.syblehopp.org/donation-form).