Ellna Vacho
Ellna R. Vacho, age 93 ½, of Eagle River, WI, passed away at her home on Friday, February 27, 2026, of congestive heart failure.
Ellna was born in Athens, WI, on July 19, 1932, to Albert and Eva (NEE Titera) Uhlir, her father, Albert, passed when she was 2 years old. Her mother, Eva, later married Joseph Pecka and they lived in Ladysmith, WI.
Ellna met the love of her life, Milan M. Vacho, when they were both 14 at Catechism class in Ladysmith. They were married July 25, 1953, in Ladysmith , WI.
Ellna was a graduate of Ladysmith High School and she worked at the Gerald Hotel during her high school years. She later moved to Chicago and was a draftsman for Western Electric. Ellna and Milan settled in the suburbs of Chicago and raised their girls. They moved to Eagle River, WI, in the late 80’s. Ellna worked for Aman’s Gallery North in Eagle River for many years.
Ellna is survived by her loving husband and her only sweetheart of 72 years, Milan; her two daughters, Debra (Michael) Martell, and Diane Vacho; her precious grandchildren, Emily Martell, Nathan (Louisa) Martell and Zachary (Cassandra) Martell; great- granddaughters, Everly and Penelope Martell; and sisters-in-law, Kathy Pecka, and Paulette Pecka-Gacke.
Ellna is preceded in death by her four siblings, Alberta (Raymond) Wavruk, Ashley Pecka, Yvonne (William) White, andArlen Pecka.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Compassus Hospice family for their compassion and love over the last eight months.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
