Ellen Kishkunas, 81, Kearney, Neb.

Ellen Jean Kishkunas, age 81, of Kearney, Neb., formerly of Glenwood, died Dec. 19, 2008, at her daughter’s home in Kearney. Memorial services were held at Grace United Methodist Church in Glenwood on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008. Pastor Dean McPherson officiated. Private interment was in the Glenwood Cemetery.

One of three children of Grace Clara (Steele) and Ernest Osbin Martin, she was born on Sept. 28, 1927, in Rapid City, S.D. She grew up in Rapid City and the family later moved to Orlando, Fla., where she graduated from high school. She moved to Chicago, Ill. and met Louis Joseph Kishkunas, Jr. On Aug. 19, 1950, they were married in the Mennonite Church in Chicago. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Louis Joseph III and Ruth Ann. The family moved to New York while her husband obtained his doctorate from Columbia University in New York. His career took the family to Ossining, N.Y., Barrington, Ill., Pittsburg, Pa., Denver, Colo., and Estes Park, Colo. His final career move was to Hastings, Neb., where he served as the superintendent of schools.

Mrs. Kishkunas was a homemaker and took care of the family. In 1979, while living in Hastings, Neb., she became a licensed real estate agent. After her husband retired in 1983, the couple moved to Glenwood, where they purchased a small apple orchard. Their grandchildren, Louis J. IV and Valeria Kishkunas, moved to Glenwood to live with them. Mrs. Kishkunas was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Glenwood and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mr. and Mrs. Kishkunas were married 57 years when he died at the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood on Feb. 29, 2008. Soon after, she moved to Kearney, to live with her daughter, Ruth Ann.

Mrs. Kishkunas was preceded in death by her parents; husband Louis Kishkunas, Jr.; son Louis J. Kishkunas III in 2007; and brother Bruce. She is survived by her daughter Ruth Ann Kishkunas of Kearney; three grandchildren; sister Marilyn O’Connell of Encinitas, Calif.; other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to Grace United Methodist Church of Glenwood. Hertz Funeral Home of Glenwood was in charge of arrangements.