Obituary of Dorothy Marie Ellerbach

Dorothy Marie Ellerbach, 91, of Holy Cross, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 3-8 p.m. Friday, September 14, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross where a parish vigil service will be held at 2:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue Saturday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Holy Cross, with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Dorothy was born March 20, 1927, in North Buena Vista, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Leona (Klein) Leick.  On January 28, 1948, she married Ernest G. Ellerbach at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Together they farmed south of Holy Cross for 40 years.  

Dorothy had a zest for life; she loved people and socializing.  She was a longtime member of the Holy Cross parish and the Rosary Society and was a regular contributor to community life.  She took pride in her appearance and was classy, yet humble.  Celebrating special occasions was a joy for her.  Dorothy was strong. Despite the loss of a young child and husband, as well as recent health issues, her joyous spirit was never diminished.  She greatly enjoyed her independence and circle of friends.  Dorothy also delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  No one ever left her house hungry or without a hug.

She is survived by four children: Dan (Carol) Ellerbach of Bellevue, Connie (Kirby Holmes) Ellerbach of San Francisco, CA, Don (Terri) Ellerbach of Holy Cross, Gary (Linda) Ellerbach of Lisbon, 8 grandchildren: Lyle Barth, Gina (Alex) Tone, Keith Ellerbach, Laura Ellerbach, Jon (Mandi) Ellerbach, Michael Ellerbach, Dalton Ellerbach, Skylar Ellerbach, 3 great grandchildren: Graci, Ellie and Harper, siblings: Merlin (Ruth) Leick, Irma Schrobilgen, Florence (Clarence) Kennicker, Arnie (Vicky) Leick, in-laws: Betty Leick, Gerald (Darleen) Ellerbach and Kay Daly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ernie on November 20, 2014, son, Edwin, siblings: Lucille (Irvin) Stoffel, Marina (Jack) Hess, Rosie (Dick) Tharp and Leonard Leick.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.