Mark Alan Ellenberger

Mark Alan Ellenberger passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 28, 2024. He was surrounded by his amazing, caring, and kind caregivers at his group home, RSI – Howard in Hibbing, Minnesota.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, with visitation one hour prior to services. Reverend Marilee Bergerson will be officiating.

Mark was born on October 28, 1968 in Edina, Minnesota to William Joseph Ellenberger and Rita Jo Ellenberger (VanSadelhoff). Mark was baptized into the Lutheran faith at the Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 8, 1968. 

Mark and his parents resided in Bloomington, Minnesota until the summer before Mark turned five years old. The family loved being outside, enjoying all the natural beauty of Minnesota. A home on Lake Osakis was where Mark grew up pursuing all the things he cared about, especially his love of ALL the natural sciences.

Mark learned to read before he entered kindergarten. He began to read his complete set of World Book Encyclopedias. That, along with a subscription to Natural Geographic Magazine, was given to him by his grandparents and lined the walls of his bedroom. Legos and later all things calculators and computers kept him pursuing the fields of science he was passionate about. 

Mark looked forward to summers and enjoying time at his favorite summer camps. First it was Cub Scouts Day Camp, then Luther Crest Bible Camp. In junior high, he went to an Aerospace Camp at the University of Wisconsin Superior.

Mark attended grade school in Long Prairie, Minnesota. Junior and Senior High School in Browerville and Long Prairie, Minnesota. Mark left school and earned his GED.

In 1987, Mark moved to Florida to meet extended family and pursue his interests in aviation and further his education. In 1989, Mark returned to Minnesota. Mark was diagnosed with significant mental health issues and became disabled at age 21. 

Mark was able to have some periods of stability with his mental health. In the mid 1990’s, Mark moved to Texas and he resided there until 2009. 

In 2010, under guardianship of his mother, Mark returned to live in Alexandria, Hermantown, and Hibbing, Minnesota. He was able to have more stable healthcare and housing. He was able to pursue his passion of calculating on his scientific calculators and going for air rides. 

Mark was preceded in death by his brother David Jon Ellenberger on March 9, 1970, and his father William Joseph Ellenberger on December 22, 2020. He is survived by his mother, Rita Jo Ellenberger.

A private committal service will be held in August 2024 with Pastor Jim Odden officiating.

Thank you for being part of Mark’s “village” of kindness and support during his lifetime – Rita. 

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIALS PREFERRED TO RESIDENTIAL SERVICES INC. PAY IT FORWARD, LUTHER CREST, OR FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IN ALEXANDRIA. 


Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of arrangements for Mark.