Mr. Ellerbusch worked for many years as an insurance claims adjuster and served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1956-1964. He also served two terms as an alderman for the city of Fairview Heights, IL, where he was the proud visionary and founder of the Midwest Salute to the Arts, which is still held every year. Gene was a talented craftsman who very much enjoyed both building and flying model airplanes. But what he enjoyed almost more than anything else, was bringing smiles and laughter into the lives of all those he met.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Esther, nee Busekrus, Ellerbusch; three siblings, Roland “Dick” Ellerbusch, Morris “Moe” Ellerbusch, and Alvera “Viv” Steding; and a special aunt, Ruth Busekrus.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Phyllis, nee Vielweber, Ellerbusch; two daughters, Kathy (Jeff) Alt of Freeburg, IL, and Angela (J.D.) Sheppard of Glen Carbon, IL; four grandchildren, Christopher (Lizzy) Alt, Haley Alt, Nicolas Sheppard and Evan Sheppard; his beloved dog, Teddy; a sister, Roberta Brady of Belleville, IL; and a brother, Glenn Ellerbusch of Harvest Hill, TX.
The family would like to give special thanks to Family Hospice and the New Athens Home for the Aged for all their special care and concern given to Gene and the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Family Hospice, 5110 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62226. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Private visitation for family and very close friends will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL. Standard CDC guidelines, including mask-wearing and social distancing, will be observed.
Funeral: Private funeral services for family and very close friends will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL.
Burial will be at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL