John E. Ellenbecker

John E. Ellenbecker age 73;
In January of 2025 John was told he had a 'spot' on his left lung. After many tests, treatments and surgeries, John was dealing with a diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer that had already metastasized to both hips. Radiation and Chemotherapy extended his journey as much as possible. Heart issues and pneumonia along with the cancer finally claimed his life on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was surrounded by love as we all said goodbye.
John was born on May 12, 1952 to Edward and Eleanor (Quella) Ellenbecker. All of his childhood was spent in Appleton growing up on Brewster Street with his older sister Shirley and younger sister Karen. John graduated from Appleton West High School in 1970.
When he received a low draft number, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from December 1972 until his honorable discharge in January 1977. Not his first choice but he finally decided on becoming a Hospital Corpsman, with training in San Diego. He spent a part of his military career on the USS Saginaw. (LST-1188) As John often said, he traveled the world on Uncle Sam's dime spending time in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea, and earning the nickname 'Doc' from his fellow sailors.
Upon returning to civilian life, John was a manager at Octopus Car Wash, Appleton. Arnie was his boss and several employees became lifelong friends.
In 1985, John started working at Riverside Paper in Appleton and stayed there until the mill closed in 2005. From there he moved on to Appleton Papers, Hoffmaster and finally Creative Converting in Clintonville. Along the way he became friends with so many. After retirement from the paper industry in 2015 John was a part time auto parts driver at Kramer Ridge until his health told him it was time to permanently retire.
John enjoyed watching all the Wisconsin sports teams. He was extremely proud to own his Harley Fat Boy which he rode to several motorcycle rallies including Sturgis and Tomahawk. John loved all types of music such as Big Band, Country and old Rock and Roll.
2004-2005 as his job at Riverside was being phased out he started dating Mary Dexheimer. One night he asked Mary 'why do you want to go out with me? I'm just a short, fat, bald guy without a job.' And that is how the happily ever after started.
In 2015 John and Mary both retired and started traveling. There were trips to Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Norway, and Belgium along with Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Nevada and Arizona. John loved his Packer bus trips to Nashville and St. Louis. For the past few years, there was a cabin rented somewhere in Wisconsin for family to spend a week together.
Time with all of the grandkids was a highlight of his life. Camping and fishing in the summer months and band concerts and school sporting events were always on the calendar.
John was a very patriotic man that loved his country. He never had a dry eye while standing at attention singing along with the National Anthem. John was scheduled to be on the Old Glory Honor Flight on Tuesday Oct. 28, 2025. He was excited to have this opportunity. He told everyone at the hospital on Saturday October 25th that they had to release him by Monday so that he could make his flight. The sudden turn in his health changed everything.
John is survived by his wife, Mary; children Jaki Weber (Appleton), Jessica Ellenbecker (Kaukauna), Sara and Travis Gerrits (Darboy), and Adam and Suzie Ellenbecker (Wausau). And bonus family: Sonya Duex (Las Vegas) and Tim and Xiao Duex (Las Vegas). The grandchildren: grandson Jimmy Weber, Favorite (and only) granddaughter Camille Gerrits and Grandson Kellen Gerrits. And bonus grandson Logan Duex.
He is also survived by two sisters: Shirley Ellenbecker and Karen Wilz, both Appleton.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Eleanor, and his mother and father-in-law, Dolores and Harvey Dexheimer.
Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Full Military Honors will conclude the service. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all of John's medical team starting with Dr. Kristine Juntunen and all of her team at Primary Care Physicians. Thank you for all you did for John. Thanks also go out to Dr. Harsha Poola and his oncology team at Theda Care Cancer Center. All of the employees that we encountered on John's journey were all so helpful and kind. There is a big shout out to Dr. Amanda Sommerfeldt. Your professionalism and compassionate manner really helped us through some very rough times. Conversations with you will not be soon forgotten. Melissa Johnson. What is there to say? You give the best hugs and we thank you for all you do for all cancer patients.
Family. Friends. You are the best.
Anchors Aweigh Spanky. You will be missed
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