Craig Ellerbroek

Craig Jamon Ellerbroek of rural Gladstone IL died peacefully surrounded by family on Monday May 12, 2025. 

He was born on March 31, 1949 in Sibley Iowa to Cedric and Darlene (Headings) Ellerbroek of Sheldon. He married Carol Schat on March 5, 1971 at First Reformed Church in Sheldon. He attended a one-room school inn Matlock through sixth grade and graduated from Sheldon High School in 1967. He attended Westmar College in LeMars for two years before transferring to Iowa State, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Industrial Administration. 

He worked for Sackner Products and American Seating in Grand Rapids Michigan before moving to Ft Madison Iowa to work at Sheaffer Pen. In 1978 he began working at J.I. Case in Burlington, where he was an engineer for over 30 years before retiring due to Parkinson's disease. He was also a massage therapist, opening his own practice and later working at the Spa in Burlington. 

He was a hospice volunteer and a member of the National Guard from 1973 to 1985. He loved LOUD music, especially the oldies from the 60's and 70's. He was also an avid bird-watcher· and could recognize any species by its song. Craig was a long-time member of First Christian Church in Burlington, where he was an Elder Emeritus, Board moderator, and sang in the choir for over 40 years. He gained a lot of "groupies" when he started doing chair massages during coffee fellowships. He "helped" Carol teach children's classes by engaging the kids with his antics. It wasn't unusual to see him walking down the halls on his hands or taking them outside to run free. 

His favorite place to be was the outdoors. He loved camping, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and especially cycling, including RAGBRAI and the Cobblestone Climb. He rode his bike across the bridge to Case every day even after the snow started flying and he considered all the bruises, scars, and fractured bones as sports trophies. He passed his love of nature and exercise on to all four of his children. They have many memories of long walks and bike rides, Boy Scout camp outs, National Parks, and anywhere off the grid. One of their favorite memories is "My day with Dad", when he would spend Sunday afternoon with one kid at a time. 

He is survived by his children, Erin Ellerbroek of Burlington, Justin (Alena) Ellerbroek of Cedar Falls, Michael (Anna) Ellerbroek of Rockford IL, and Rachel (David) Dohr of Hoffman Estates IL; six grandchildren, Keira, Jenna, Lucy, Poppy, Dawson, and Nolan; sisters Cheryl (Ed) Miller of Cedar Rapids, Carla (Jim) Boyle of San Diego, and Janet (Steve) Tatman of Sioux Falls SD; brothers Kent (Barb) Ellerbroek of Sioux Falls and Mark (Dianna) Ellerbroek of Ely, MN; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Lea Ann. 

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The memorial service for Craig will be 11:00 AM Saturday, May 31, 2025, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Reverend David J. Yonker and Reverend Brooke Robbins officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held at First Christian Church following the service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Matlock, IA at a later date.  

A memorial has been established for First Christian Church.

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