Michael John “Mike” Ellenbecker

Michael John “Mike” Ellenbecker

Tama

Michael John “Mike” Ellenbecker, 72, of Tama, passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at his home under the care of Iowa River Hospice. It was Mike’s wish to be cremated and there will be a Celebration of Life and Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery at a later date.

Michael was born on Nov. 18, 1950, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Donald and Jean (Ehret) Ellenbecker.

Mike graduated from South Tama High School in 1969.

On Oct. 13, 2019, he married Debra Kaufman Kouba at the Backbone State Park in Dundee, Iowa.

Mike was a longtime fixture at Ellenbecker’s Service Station working with his dad and brother Fran and eventually being the owner and operator. Mike loved fishing and also enjoyed hunting, golfing, slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball. Mike was an avid sports fan, rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Royals. He also enjoyed his group of guys that gathered for coffee at the station every day as well as serving the rest of his loyal customers in the community.

Survivors include his wife, Deb of Tama; children, Jennifer Kouba of West Des Moines and Jessica (Wes) Bolen of Marshalltown; grandson, Eddie Bolen; siblings, Donna (Orville) Meskimen of Ely, Dave (Lynda) Ellenbecker of Leesburg, Texas, Cathy (Terry King) Ellenbecker of Kansas City, Mo., Pat Ellenbecker of Seattle, Wash., Theresa (Mike) Hayward of Tama and Renee (Dan) Bischoff of Fenton, Mo.; many nieces and nephews and special nephews and niece, Bryan (Jeri) Ellenbecker, Paul (Jackie) Elllenbecker and Brenda (Brett) Bro.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Francis Ellenbecker; nephew, Drew Bischoff; and great niece, Alexis Ommen.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be donated to Backbone State Park.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.