Service Details
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, Racine on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorial Suggestions
The family suggests memorials in Elisa’s name to Alzheimer’s Association – Wisconsin Chapter (alz.org/wi).
Elisa M. Poulsen (nee: Sadowski), age 77, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026 surrounded by her children.
Elisa was born in Racine to the late Chester and Dorothy (nee: Arcuri) Sadowski on August 22, 1948. Elisa is a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. On April 4, 1970, Elisa was united in marriage to James L Poulsen at St. Rita’s Catholic Church. Elisa worked at Twin Disc until her retirement in 2005. James and Elisa raised their family in Sturtevant and were proud members of St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Elisa’s strong faith led her to participate in the women’s Cursillo movement. She was involved with the liturgy committee and was a church lector. She also led a teen choir for many years. Elisa’s favorite job was being Mimi.
Elisa is survived by her children: Theresa (Michael) Sullivan, Rebecca (Rudy) Larson and Michael (Rachel) Poulsen; grandchildren: Zachary Sullivan, Samuel (Emily), Emolia, Maxmilian, Sophia and Genevieve Larson, Liam, Lily and Levi Poulsen; and great grandchildren: Magdalone and Theodor Larson. Elisa is further survived by her brother, Timothy Sadowski and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Elisa is preceded in death by her devoted husband, James L Poulsen; parents, Chester and Dorothy Sadowski; brothers- in-law, Frederick (Janet) Poulsen and Robert Poulsen.
The family would like to especially thank The Medical Suites at Oak Creek and Legacy Hospice for their compassionate and wonderful care of Elisa.
Michelle Rocha says
I have the fondest memories of Mrs. Poulsen and the many ways she welcomed my family as part of her own. She lived her Christian faith in all that she did, not just in words but through constant acts of kindness and generosity. Truly, it takes a village to raise a child, and Mrs. Poulsen was an essential part of that village for so many of us. I will always remember her as a “cheerleader,” role model and an amazing hostess whose home and heart were always open. Her impact on my life will remain with me always. My deepest condolences for your family.
Judy Taylor says
I came to know Elisa only after her stroke. i never saw her at top of her game that Michelle relates. She often told me she couldnt do much physically but she could pray for others. She lived on a busy street praying for the first responders as they raced to the emergency. she prayed for me, a very rough diamond, the hardest. her determination to do what she could cooking three course meals allfrom scratch though half of her body was flaccid. man, that woman could cook! she’s finally free of her body that betrayed her and has joined Jim and Coco. i miss her lots. RIP Lisa…
Maureen Fredericksen says
Maureen Fredericksen