Barbara Ellenberger Obituary Ellenberger, Barbara March of Wayzata, MN, died Dec. 1, 2015, of complications of pneumonia and chronic lung disease. Barbara was born March 26, 1931 in Bloomington, IL to Elsie Ross March and Harry Allan March. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her seven siblings. She is survived by her husband, Don; their children, John (Elizabeth), Edina, MN, Ann Hamilton, Berkeley, CA, Brad (Betsy), Neenah, WI; grandsons, Matthew, Michael, Jack, David and Mark Ellenberger and granddaughter, Gwyneth Ellenberger and several nieces and nephews. Growing up on a farm as one of eight siblings during the depression years shaped her life. She attended public schools in Anchor, IL, and Illinois State Univ., Normal, IL. After leaving college she worked in Bloomington at State Farm Ins. and as a dental assistant. In 1957 she moved to Kansas City, MO. Her employment led her into the Human Resources field and she became Personnel Director of Baptist Memorial Hospital, Kansas City, MO. In 1962, she married Donald R. Ellenberger. Moving to Wayzata, Minnesota in 1965, she became a homemaker and she and Don raised three children. They moved to Deephaven, MN in 1979 and to Shorewood, MN in 2004. In 2015 they moved to Folkestone in Wayzata, MN. In addition to homemaking, Barbara held several part-time positions in senior services, real estate and marketing while caring for her own mother for three years in her home. Her interest in people led her into active social service through her church, St. Luke Presbyterian, Minnetonka, MN with particular interest in refugee resettlement. She assisted many refugees from Laos, Vietnam, Somalia, Ethiopia, and El Salvador, some of whom continue to call her "Mom" and who became life-long friends. She was known for her independent spirit, energy, compassionate manner, smile, sense of justice and championship for the underdogany underdog. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11:00 am, at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3121 Groveland School Rd., Minnetonka, MN. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to St. Luke Church "Refugee Relief" or charity of donors choice.  Born: March 26, 1931 Death: December 1, 2015 Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.