Eileen D Ellenbecker

Eileen D. Ellenbecker, 83, of Athens, was called to eternal rest on Sunday, August 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 WI. 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, Steven (Nicole) Ellenbecker, 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, Colton (Megan) Ellenbecker, and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Duane (Sandy) Zugier; sisters-in-law, Delores Lueddecke and Christine Zugier; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, 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; 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.

Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is currently assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at MWCS.WS.