Ray C. Ellenbecker

Raphael “Ray” C. Ellenbecker, 95, of Athens, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, surrounded by the compassionate care of Heartland Hospice at Meadows of Marathon.

He was born on February 23, 1930, in the town of Johnson, Ray grew up on the family farm...land he proudly purchased from his parents and lovingly maintained as it became a century farm. On September 23, 1953, he married the love of his life, Caroline Mueller, at St. John Catholic Church in Wuertzburg. They shared 65 wonderful years together before her passing in 2019.

Ray lived a full and vibrant life. A skilled carpenter and contractor, he left his mark throughout the area by building countless barns and structures that still stand strong today. Never one to sit still, he embraced every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing trips with his family. Ray also had a knack for finding treasures at auctions and could strike up a friendly conversation wherever he went.

Family meant everything to Ray. He took tremendous joy in cheering on his grandchildren and great grandchildren at wrestling matches, football games, and ball games in Milan. He loved shooting pool, catching up with friends, and making his rounds at the Athens Fair. His presence was warm, welcoming, and unmistakably Ray.

Ray is survived by his eight children: Randy (Debra) Ellenbecker of Texas; Jeff (Louise) Ellenbecker of Athens; Patsy (Bob) Brunke of Athens; Pam (Les) Dickinson of Athens; Lori Blake of Athens; Brad (Angela) Ellenbecker of Iowa; Todd (Londa) Ellenbecker of Athens; and Mitchell Ellenbecker of Weston. He leaves behind 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews—all of whom carry forward his legacy of love and laughter.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Caroline; his grandson Jeremiah Blake; his son in law Bill Blake; his daughter in law Traci Ellenbecker; and 16 siblings.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Ray’s life will be held at Noon on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Athens, with Father George Graham presiding. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 4:00–7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home in Athens. Additional visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. A lunch will be served in the Catholic school basement following the burial.

Ray’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Meadows of Marathon and Heartland Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared at www.petersonkraemer.com.