Caroline D. Ellenbecker

Caroline D. Ellenbecker, 83, Athens, went home to her heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 with her family by her side at North Central Health Care Facility, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

She was born September 5, 1935 on the family farm in the town of Wien, daughter of the late John and Sarah (Steffen) Mueller.  She was the youngest of 14 children.  On September 23, 1953, she married Raphael Ellenbecker at St. John Catholic Church, Wuerzburg.

Together, Caroline and her husband, Ray, were dedicated farmers in the town of Johnson throughout their lives, and raised eight wonderful children.  Among her favorite pastimes, she liked to sew, flower garden, crochet, an avid reader, take care of her Boston Terrier “Mandy” and was also the “Family Historian”.

Survivors include, her husband Ray; eight children, Randy (Debra) Ellenbecker, Texas, Jeff (Louise) Ellenbecker, Athens, Patsy (Bob) Brunke, Athens, Pam (Les) Dickinson, Athens, Lori (Bill) Blake, Athens, Brad (Angela) Ellenbecker, Iowa, Todd (Londa) Ellenbecker, Athens, and Mitchell (Traci) Ellenbecker, Weston; 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marie Murphy, Milwaukee; one sister-in-law, Hazel Slauzis, California; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Jeremiah Blake; and 12 siblings.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens.  Rev. George Graham will preside.  Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Athens.  Visitation will be on Thursday (TODAY) from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Athenian Living in Athens, staff at North Central Heath Care and the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful care and support given to Caroline during her stay.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com