Ervin Ellenbecker

Ervin "Erv" Ellenbecker, age 75, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield. A celebration of life was held in August at Erv's request, where he had the opportunity to visit and share memories with many of his friends and family members. No further services are planned at this time.

Erv was born on November 30, 1949, to Bernard and Emma Ellenbecker. He graduated from Colby High School in 1967. Following high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Erv married Lynn Witte in April of 1973, and together they raised two daughters. Although Erv and Lynn's marriage ended in divorce in 2000, they remained on good terms and continued to maintain a friendly relationship throughout the years.

Erv spent much of his life working as a meat cutter and manager in various grocery stores throughout central Wisconsin. He was also a skilled craftsman, assisting with the construction and renovation of many homes, including for his daughters. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

Erv had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends. He also had a fondness for watching old Westerns, game shows and Green Bay Packer games. He had a sharp sense of humor and a mischievous personality right up until the end, always joking around with those around him. In retirement, Erv traveled extensively, particularly enjoying trips to Alaska, a cruise to Mexico for his 70th birthday, and spending nine winters as a Winter Texan, where he formed lasting friendships and participated in playing cards, shuffleboard and other park activities and events. One of the highlights of his life was his participation in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in September 2023, where he was accompanied by his daughter, Jessica, as his guardian and received much deserved recognition for his service to the country during the Vietnam era.

Erv is survived by his daughters, Stacey (Brian) Anderson of Foley, AL, and their daughter Brianna (fiancé, Cole Walters), and Jessica (Patrick) Bloczynski of Wisconsin Rapids, and their children Alaina and Kian. He is also survived by his devoted girlfriend, Sheryl Hamilton, and her children, Heidi (Jonathan) Block, Craig Hamilton, and Nicole (Trent) Dernbach, along with Sheryl's grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as their Grandpa- Jamison and Jemma Block, and Abby, Hailey, and Corbin Hamilton.

Erv is further survived by his siblings Doris (Joe) Leister, Bernard (Jeanette) Ellenbecker, Rose Schreiber, Emilie Ellenbecker, Patrick (Cory) Ellenbecker, Lynette O'Neill, Carmel Speakman, and Susan Ellenbecker, sister-in-law Diane Ellenbecker and many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Emma Ellenbecker, and his brothers, Barry and Richard Ellenbecker.

Memorial gifts may be sent in Erv's memory to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

Erv's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the angels at Aspirus Cancer Center in Wisconsin Rapids and House of the Dove for their care and compassion during his most difficult days.