Steven Paul Ellberg

Steven Paul Ellberg, 66, passed away peacefully at home in Ventura on August 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with stage IV melanoma.

Born on October 11, 1958, to Paul and Dorothie Ellberg, Steve was proud to have grown up on a farm in the Swedish town of Kingsburg, California. That rural upbringing shaped the resilience and resourcefulness he carried throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Annie; his daughters, Grace, Charlotte, and Sally Ellberg; his siblings, Chriss Ellberg of Turlock, Joel Ellberg of Kingsburg, and Sara Ellberg of Oakland; and his beloved dog, Louie.

Steve had a deep love for the outdoors: gardening, camping, whitewater rafting, and days spent at the lake were among his favorite pastimes. A lifelong swimmer, he continued his love for the sport well beyond his days on the Cal Berkeley Swimming team. He was an active member of the swimming community at the YMCA and more recently the Ventura Aquatic Center in Ventura, proudly joining the "100 Mile Club."

Known for his handiness and ingenuity, Steve rarely threw anything away-he could fix just about anything. His career as a landscape architect spanned over 30 years, during which he brought his creative vision to life through his own successful business. Steve believed that every site had its own unique story to tell- rejecting cookie-cutter designs in favor of intentional, thoughtful spaces that respected the landscape and encouraged indoor-outdoor living. His work included notable international projects, such as designing the Palace Gardens for King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan.

Steve was also famously chatty. Whether you were a client, a friend, or a stranger at the hardware store, Steve was always ready with a story.

Yet Steve's greatest joy and proudest achievement was raising his daughters. He was a devoted and involved father-coaching soccer, cheering them on at cross country and track meets, supporting their 4-H projects, and encouraging all their endeavors. As he once told them, "My legacy will be you girls."

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the volunteers from the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program and to all who supported Steve and his family during his cancer journey.

More information about a Celebration of Life will be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve's honor to the Melanoma Research Foundation.