Ellenbecker, Jean

Jean Ellenbecker, 86, of Tama, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2012, at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama, with Father Michael Mescher as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.

Jean was born July 5, 1925, in Tama, Iowa, the daughter of Dr. W.L. and Inez (Grife) Ehret. She graduated from Tama High School in 1943. On Sept. 4, 1944, she was united in marriage to Don Ellenbecker in Huron, S.D.

Jean was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama, where she was in circle. She was also a member of the I-Club, being a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan, especially basketball. She also followed the Chicago Cubs. Jean enjoyed all sports and was an avid reader. Her greatest joy was her family. Jean's famous quote was: “That's the way it goes!”

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Don in 1999; one son, Francis in 1991; one sister, June Moore; and one great-granddaughter, Alexis Ommen.

Survivors include her children, Donna (Orville) Meskimen of Ely, Dave (Lynda) Ellenbecker of Leesburg, Texas, Mike (Deb) Ellenbecker of Tama, Cathy Ellenbecker of Tama, Pat Ellenbecker of Seattle, Wash., Theresa (Mike) Hayward of Tama and Renee (Dan) Bischoff of Fenton, Mo.; 25 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the Tama Library.

Published March 19, 2012 in The Gazette