May 29, 2019 –Ellen M. Kirchberger, 94, of West Bend, formerly of Menomonee Falls, found eternal life on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at her home with her sons at her side.
Ellen was born on December 18, 1924, in Stevens Point, the daughter of the late Ernest and Bertha (nee Fladeland) Zieper. She graduated from Downer College in Milwaukee with a degree in Occupational Therapy. On July 19, 1947, she married Walter C. Kirchberger in Stevens Point. Walter preceded Ellen in death on August 29, 2000. Ellen was an avid bowler and bridge player. As a breast cancer survivor, she did a lot of work with people who have undergone breast cancer and visited them in the hospital to provide support. Ellen was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Slinger.
Those Ellen leaves behind to cherish her memory include her three sons, Gary (Maria) Kirchberger of Bothell, Washington, John (Mary) Kirchberger of Richfield, and Jim (Tracy) Kirchberger of Menomonee Falls; eight grandchildren, Erika (Jim) Baer, Adam Kirchberger, Connie (Todd) Meeks, Kaitlin Kirchberger, Thomas Kirchberger, Matthew Kirchberger, Joshua (Lindsay) Steffen, and Andrew (Angi) Steffen; four great-grandchildren, Braden Meeks, Cole Meeks, Billie Rose Steffen, and AJ Steffen; a brother, Robert Zieper; other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her grandson, Jacob Kirchberger; her brother-in-law, Rudy (Doris) Kirchberger; and her sister-in-law, Mary Zieper.
Funeral services for Ellen will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4860 Arthur Road, in Slinger. Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe will officiate and burial will follow at Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend.
Ellen’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Susan G. Komen Wisconsin Breast Cancer Assistance Fund are appreciated. http://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/WisconsinWomen/donate.html
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Ellen’s arrangements.
