Eileen Ellenbecker

Eileen D. Ellenbecker, 83, of Athens, was called to eternal rest on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Eileen was born on January 24, 1942, to the late Mabel (Lueddecke) and Paul Zugier in Dorchester. After graduating from Abbotsford High School, she worked as a beautician at Princess Beauty Shoppe in Wausau. On February 2, 1963, she married Rodney Ellenbecker at St John’s Catholic Church, Wuertzburg. Eileen was a loving mother and homemaker. Before the onset of health challenges, she enjoyed baking, gardening, canning, babysitting for grandchildren, and preparing meals for the holidays. Eileen and Rodney along with their family enjoyed many years together vacationing at the Willow Haven Resort.

Eileen is survived by her husband of 62 years, Rodney; her children: Kevin (Julie) Ellenbecker, Wausau, Yvonne (Dale) Mroczenski, Marathon, and Brian (Patte) Ellenbecker, Aaron (Lori) Ellenbecker and Steven (Nicole) Ellenbecker, all of Athens; grandchildren: Ashley (Caleb) Zahl, Emily (Alec) Hintz, Bailey (Scott) Crowell, Joseph (Mallory) Mroczenski, Justin (Jena) Ellenbecker, Megan (Ryan) Strebig, Connor (McKayla) Ellenbecker, Collin (Savannah) Ellenbecker, Cade Ellenbecker, Cobie (fiancé Georgi Schmutzer) Ellenbecker, Rylee (Jordon) Tessmer and Colton (Megan) Ellenbecker, and 19 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Duane (Sandy) Zugier; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Delores Lueddecke, Christine Zugier, Theodora Ellenbecker (Kevin Kaiser), Kenny (Nancy) Ellenbecker, David Ellenbecker, Shirley (Ferdie) Diethelm, Tommy (Linda) Ellenbecker, Bill (Mary) Ellenbecker, Teresa (John) Heier, Susie Ellenbecker, Jay (Marlene) Ellenbecker, Judy Drexler, Lori (Dale) Gajewski, Ann (Larry) Weigand, Danny (Julie) Ellenbecker and Dean (Angie) Ellenbecker, and many nieces and nephews.

She is now reunited with those who went before her including her parents; her brothers: Marvin Lueddecke, Ronald Zugier and Alvin Zugier; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hattie & Sylvester Ellenbecker; brothers-in-law: Sylvester (Skip) Ellenbecker, Carl Brown and Jerry Drexler; and sisters-in-law: Judy Ellenbecker and Mary Brown.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Wausau Hospital Palliative Care for their excellent care and compassion for Eileen and the family.

A private ceremony and burial at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Wuertzburg, will be held at a later date.

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