Obituary of Ellen Rhee Overby Semerau

Ellen Rhee Semerau, 66, passed away January 12, 2022. She was born July, 10 1955 in Wells, MN to the late Norris and Eunice Overby (Staloch). 

Ellen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in Philosophy, and was a proud sister of Chi Omega. She was a member of the Flying Squad at Equitable Life Insurance, gallivanting across the country conducting 1 month+ training sessions in all major cities. She met her husband, Jon, on a canoe trip in St. Croix, which was the start of their lives together. Ellen devoted her life to raising her children, Max and Emily. She was an avid reader, a wonderful cook and host, who was known for her stunning Beef Wellington. A lifelong lover of plants and gardening, Ellen became a Master Gardener from Clemson after they moved to SC.

 

Ellen was smart, sassy, and classy and will be missed by all the lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Jon Semerau; son, Max Semerau; daughter, Emily Trotter (David); granddaughter, Elizabeth Trotter; siblings, Nick Overby (Diane), Jon Overby, Mary Torsch (Wesley), and Robert Overby (Kathleen); mother-in-law, Lillian Semerau (George); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 

A memorial service will be held this spring in MN.