Kenneth Clair Ellenberger, age 80, died at 1:32 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at his residence. Born in New Haven, IN on August 20, 1927 he was the son of Herman and Flossie (Calhoun) Ellenberger.After attending Poling High School, he served in the Merchant Marines from 1949 - 1950 and then joined the United States Army. On June 11, 1960 he was united in marriage to Marjorie P. Brandenburg in Huntsville, AL. Since 1972, he and his wife have resided in Claypool, IN. In 1992, he retired from the Dana Corporation with 40 years of service. He attended New Hope Wesleyan Church, Columbia City. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Marjorie P. Ellenberger of Claypool, IN; children, Brian (Terri) Ellenberger of Holland, MI, Terri Ellenberger of Sparta, TN, Rhonda (Mike) Anderson of Claypool, IN, Dan Ellenberger of Kokomo, IN, Dale Ellenberger of Marion, IN, Diane Ford of Portland, IN and Dorena Ellenberger of Columbia City, IN; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; brothers, Loren (Norma) Ellenberger of Beckley, WV, Larry (Vera) Ellenberger of Bryant, IN, Mike (Gladys) Ellenberger of Bluffton, IN and Stanley (Carol) Ellenberger of Geneva, IN; sisters, Iva Lou White of Hartford City, IN, Carolyn (Elwood) Rouch of Middlebury, IN and Bonnie (Melvin) Fear of Fiatt, IN. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Howard and Jerry Ellenberger and sisters, Arlene Mantle and Betty Hackett.Visitation is 3-9 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2008 at the funeral home with Reverend Barry Faucett of New Hope Wesleyan Church officiating. Graveside military honors will be presented by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard with burial at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley, IN. Memorials may be given in Mr. Ellenberger's memory to New Hope Wesleyan Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.
Tributes
Janet and Walt Schuchmann wrote on Aug 19, 2008:
"One of my best memories of Uncle Clair is a time when he and my Dad were cooking at our house. I am not sure where Mother was, possibly in the hospital having Tammi. I think Daddy made some chilli so hot it killed your taste buds. I don't remember what else they cooked, but they cooked a lot. The best part was that they did dishes, probably for the first time ever. They sure had a lot of fun that day.Marge and family, you are all in our prayers. You have our sincere sympathy.Love,Janet and Walt"
Debra Harness Able wrote on Aug 18, 2008:
"Dear Marge and family, I am saddened to hear about your loss and am thinking of you all. Deb"