Richard Bernard Ellenbecker

Richard Bernard Ellenbecker, age 75, of Auburndale, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at House of the Dove in Marshfield. A funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 10571 George Ave, in Auburndale. Visitation will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on July 5, 2023. Burial will take place at Arpin Cemetery in the Town of Arpin.

Richard was born May 31, 1948, the son of Bernard and Emma (Mauritz) Ellenbecker in Wausau. He graduated from Colby High School in 1966. On October 14, 1972, Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life Diane Kempf at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Auburndale.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He worked at Weyerhaeuser/Masonite for 44 years until his retirement. He also drove school bus part-time for several years with Marshfield Bus Service. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He loved having campfires in the backyard with his family, going up north to the deer hunting cabin and going for rides on his 4 wheeler. Richard enjoyed going on cruises, traveling to visit relatives in other states and in retirement enjoyed going south in the winter to Myrtle Beach, Gulf Shores or Mission, Texas.

Richard is lovingly survived by his wife Diane and his children: Sarah (Jody) Pongratz of Milladore, Amy (Mark) Wojciechowski of Plover, Lisa (Travis) Engelberth of Spencer, Laura Ellenbecker of Wauwatosa, and 4 grandchildren, Michael and Makayla Pongratz and Sophia and Olivia Engelberth. He is further survived by his siblings Bernard (Jeanette) Ellenbecker, Doris (Joe) Leister, Ervin Ellenbecker, Rose Schreiber, Emilie Ellenbecker, Patrick (Cory) Ellenbecker, Lynette O’Neill, Carmel Speakman, Susan (Scott Gokey) Ellenbecker. He is further survived by his father-in-law Vernon Kempf, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws, Dennis and Debra Kempf, Don and Mary Kempf, Lee and Deb Kempf, Randy and Cathy Kempf, Darryl Kempf and several nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents: Ben and Emma Ellenbecker, one brother Barry Ellenbecker and mother-in-law Delores Kempf.

Those wishing to express their sympathy are encouraged to do so as a memorial will be designated at a later time.

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