Obituary of Frank Ellenberger

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Franz (Frank) Ellenberger, born on August 4, 1936 in Kapetanovo, Yugoslavia (Croatia), passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026 at the age of 89 surrounded by his family. Son of the late Johann and Adele Ellenberger, he was predeceased by his brother Hans Ellenberger (2023) and sister Katharina Hetzel (2024).

A devoted family man, Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Katharina “Katy” Ellenberger (nee Fleisch). He cherished his two children and their spouses: son Kurt Ellenberger (Claudia) and daughter Karin Kouvelas (William). Also survived by sister-in-law Margaret Ellenberger, brothers-in-laws Jacob Hetzel, and Henry Fleisch (Cindy) His greatest pride and joy were his three “angels”—his granddaughters Meighan Finn (Joshua), Jessica Dobos (Tomas), and Klara Ellenberger—who brought endless light and love into his life, as he brought into theirs.

Frank was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church Windsor where he faithfully sang in the German Choir. He had a passion for music with a beautiful voice and a joyful spirit. He loved to sing and had a song for virtually every occasion. He was also very proud of his German heritage and was a long-time member of the Teutonia Club in Windsor where he helped organize international choir tours across Canada and Germany, sharing his love of good music and his boundless cheer with audiences far and wide. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed --- at church, the Teutonia Club, for family and friends. Frank loved spending time with his friends playing golf or playing cards.

Frank retired in 1999 after 39 years of dedicated service to Ford Motor Company and Dominion Forge. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew his kind heart, his enormous generosity and selflessness, and his faithful service to his family, his church, and his community.

Frank resided at Extendicare Tecumseh together with his wife for the final three years of his life. The family would like to thank the Extendicare staff for the loving and compassionate care extended to Frank.

To honour Frank’s memory donations can be made to First Lutheran Church (Click Here) or First Lutheran Christian Academy (Click Here) would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Visitation will take place April 15, 2026, at Windsor Chapel – Banwell Location (11677 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor, ON) from 2 pm – 4 pm and 7 pm – 9 pm. Visiting will continue April 16, 2026, at First Lutheran Church (160 Giles Blvd West, Windsor, ON) from 10 am until time of the Funeral Service at 11 am. The funeral service will be conducted by Pastors Robert Bugbee and Wilhelm Torgerson of First Lutheran Church. Interment will take place following the funeral service at Victoria Memorial Gardens (1185 ON-3, Tecumseh, ON).