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Clifton Ellerbeck

Clifton Ellerbeck, 90, formerly of Fort Dodge, passed away on Monday, February 2. 2026 under hospice care.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7 starting with a viewing at 12 pm until the service at 2 pm at Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be held at The Church at Union Park in Des Moines, Friday, February 6, 5:30-7:30 pm. Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services is entrusted with the arrangements.

Clifton Ellerbeck, son of William Frederick and Hazel M. Ellerbeck was born June 22, 1935. Clifton graduated from Nora Springs high school and went on to Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa where he graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts. His theological education was at Evangelical Theological Seminary, Naperville, IL, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1960. Clifton was united in marriage to Marjorie Voas on June 3, 1958, and the couple made their home in St. Charles, Illinois while he was in Seminary.

Clifton was in the ministry for 40 years in United Methodist Churches in Monona-Postville, Walcott-Wilton, Kenwood Park in Cedar Rapids, Hampton, Storm Lake and 6 years in retirement at Humboldt, Gilmore City, and Rutland parish. He retired fully from ministerial duties in August of 2004.

Clifton enjoyed “fixing things”, leather and wood working, scale model ship building, yard work, reading and was fascinated with draft horses. Clif was active and liked to walk in his community. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, serving as Chaplain, Worshipful Master, and Grand Chaplain of Masons AF and AM. Clif also participated in the Golden K Kiwanis group in Fort Dodge. He served on several Annual Conference Committees as well as camp boards of management: boards of two United Methodist Retirement homes, chairman of Westmar College Alumni Association. Clif was also a member of local community boards and agencies wherever he lived.

Clif and Marge enjoyed traveling to Israel twice, Egypt, Germany to the Passion Play, Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland and a cruise to Alaska, as well as both coasts and camping throughout the United States. For many years Clif and the family enjoyed RV travel and was part of the “Clifhanger” fall camping group for 50 years.

His wife of 63 years preceded him in death on January 7, 2022. The Ellerbecks were the parents of 5 children; Carolee Ellerbeck (deceased 2016), Carmen (Ed) Walkwitz of Des Moines, Kyle (Deb) Ellerbeck of Mankato, MN and Carita (Brian) Pfaltzgraff of Readlyn and Kory Ellerbeck of Clive (deceased 2024); 10 grandchildren: Sheila Lanky, Curtis Lanky (deceased 2004), Monique Carmack, Megan (Caleb) Gilbertson, Lexie and Josh (Megan) Ellerbeck, Ethan and Elise Pfaltzgraff, Jenna Ellerbeck and Derek Ellerbeck (deceased 2011); and 2 great grandchildren: Timmy and Isabelle Gilbertson. His sisters include Marilyn, deceased (Les) Clute, of Virginia; Beverly (Reuben deceased) Job of Tennessee; and brothers Eldon deceased (Joan) Ellerbeck Iowa, and Paul Ellerbeck, California as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.