Ellen J. (Mordt) Hand

Ellen Josephine Mordt Hand: 1927 – 2023

Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Ellen Josephine Mordt Hand (Rockford, Illinois) who passed away on February 8, 2023 at age 95.

Ellen was an alumna of Rockford University/College and accomplished business woman who was the secretary/treasurer of three local businesses. She also managed, alongside her husband, what was at the time, the largest herd of Polled Hereford cattle in the state of Wisconsin, where they owned Trotter Creek Ranch.

Ellen was an avid bridge player, enjoyed gardening, water coloring and her pets, especially her beloved dog, Beau. She was an avocational pianist who spent years nurturing her two musician daughters. She was brilliant, funny and supportive of her family and friends. She was great fun and will be missed.

Proceeded in death by her husband Thomas C. Hand and her parents, Fay and Ella Mordt and brother Warren. She is survived by her two daughters Martha (Marti) Frantz and Sara Leib, their husbands Lyle and John. Also surviving are her four grandsons, Aric (Jody) and Adam (Joanna) Frantz and John (Kathryn) and Daniel (Briana) Leib. There are five great grandchildren: Meghan, Adelyn and Isabel Frantz, Ella Frantz, and Thomas Leib.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a time for sharing immediately following at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, Illinois 61108. To watch the time of sharing via zoom, please use the meeting id: 849-7365-8190 with passcode: 12345. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Music Academy in Rockford. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.