"I miss struggling with Ellen and her computer woes. Ellen would call me and always have an "interesting" problem to discuss. She and Lou were always fun to visit with and spend time with. The name Kishkunas will always bring back kind memories for me. They were both kind to me and for that, I feel your loss too. I pray they will find peace and comfort together in rest. My sympathies to your family. "
In loving memory of
Ellen J. Kishkunas
December 19, 2008
Ellen Jean Kishkunas, age 81, of Kearney, NE and formerly of Glenwood,IA, passed away at her daughter's home in Kearney on December 19, 2008.
Ellen Jean Kishkunas, one of three children of Grace Clara (Steele) and Ernest Osbin Martin, was born on September 28, 1927 in Rapid City, South Dakota. She grew up in Rapid City and the family later moved to Orlando, Florida where she graduated from high school. Ellen moved to Chicago, Illinois and met Louis Joseph Kishkunas, Jr. On August 19, 1950, they were married in the Mennonite Church in Chicago. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Louis Joseph III and Ruth Ann. The family moved to New York while Louis obtained his Doctorate from Columbia University in New York. His career took the family to Ossining, NY, Barrington, IL, Pittsburg, PA, Denver, CO, and Estes Park, CO. His final career move was to Hastings, NE, where he served as the superintendent of schools.
Ellen was a homemaker and took care of the family. In 1979, while living in Hastings, Nebraska, she became a licensed real estate agent. After Louis retired in 1983, Ellen and Louis moved to Glenwood, Iowa where they purchased a small apple orchard. Their grandchildren, Louis J. IV and Valeria Kishkunas, moved to Glenwood to live with Ellen and Louis. Ellen was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Glenwood and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Ellen and Louis were married 57 years when Louis passed away at the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood on February 29, 2008. Soon after, Ellen moved to Kearney, Nebraska, to live with her daughter, Ruth Ann.
Ellen passed away on December 19, 2008 at her daughter's home in Kearney, at the age of 81 years, 2 months, and 21 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Louis Kishkunas, Jr.; son Louis J. Kishkunas III in 2007; and brother Bruce.
Ellen is survived by her daughter Ruth Ann Kishkunas of Kearney, Nebraska; grandchildren, Louis J. Kishkunas IV of Anchorage, Alaska, Valeria Kishkunas of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Riley Kishkunas of Kearney; sister Marilyn O'Connell and husband Richard of Encinitas, California; sisters-in-law, Lori Martin of Washington State, and Ruth Berg and husband Richard of Albuquerque, New Mexico; other relatives and friends.
Memorials suggested to
Grace United Methodist Church of Glenwood.
Private Burial in the Glenwood Cemetery.