Ellen Maria Skaates

Ellen was born to Waldtraut (Schmidt) and Aleksander Mauer in Dalian, China on February 8, 1936. Ellen married Michael Skaates in June, 1966 in Oakland, California. Michael died in 1988. In September 1991 she married Wayne Weingarten in Madison, Wisconsin. Wayne died in 2011.

Ellen graduated from Hoover High School in Glendale, California as valedictorian in 1953. She then went to Stanford University on full scholarship and was the first woman to be admitted to and graduate from the chemical engineering program. She graduated with high honors.

After graduation Ellen went to work for Bechtel Corporation from 1958-1960, then at Standard Oil until 1966. After her marriage to Michael Skaates in 1966 the couple moved from California to Hancock, Michigan. In Hancock Ellen spent much of her time raising her children and caring for her elderly mother and 2 aunts.

Ellen and Michael devoted many hours together establishing and growing the newly formed Peace Lutheran Church in Houghton Michigan. Ellen was always a very committed Christian who would readily share her faith with others. In addition to her numerous faith-based activities Ellen also enjoyed tennis, photography, and hiking as hobbies.

Ellen moved to Negunee, Michigan to be with her second husband in September of 1992. Ellen and Wayne lived together as retirees for twenty years and traveled frequently in their camper throughout the Midwest.

Survivors include daughters Maria Wagtmann of Aarhus, Denmark and Carla Skaates of Marquette, Michigan; son Martin (Maureen) Skaates of Chalfont, PA; granddaughter Emma Wagtmann; and grandchildren Caroline, Christopher, and Emily Skaates.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Spring House Estates and Hospice for the care they provided. A private service will be held at a later date.