Elleen K. Oberreuter

Elleen K. Oberreuter

1940 – 2024

DANBURY - Elleen K. Oberreuter, 84, of Danbury, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury. Father William A. McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Danbury Catholic Cemetery of Danbury.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:45 p.m. and Vigil Service at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury. 

Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek and Ida Grove are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Elleen Kay (Christie) Oberreuter, the daughter of Harlan and Phyllis (Wilcke) Christie, was born on May 5, 1940, in Ida Grove. She grew up in the Ida Grove and Battle Creek area. North of Battle Creek, Elleen began her education at country school and later graduated from Battle Creek High School with the class of 1958.

After graduation, Elleen worked at the Toy National Bank of Sioux City, and lived at Shesler Hall. On Aug. 8, 1959, Elleen was united in marriage to Irvin J. Oberreuter in Danbury. The couple were blessed with seven children: Chris, Mike, Steve, Lynn, Mark, James, and Craig. She kept busy helping at the local school, church, rosary society, B.C. Medical Auxiliary, 4-H groups and hosted several foreign exchange students. Elleen and Irvin’s door was always open to those in need and they had several people live with them over the years. 

In 1990, Elleen started working at Willow Dale Nursing Home in Battle Creek. She first started as a cook and then supervisor. Elleen was always busy cooking, especially banana bread, potato salad, mock prime rib, cookies and chex mix. Elleen’s greatest joy in her life was her family and she treasured every moment. Elleen looked forward to attending all their activities and watching her family grow with grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved traveling with Irvin and hitting all 50 states, along with spending winters in Arizona. She also enjoyed quilting, reading, and playing cards. 

Left to cherish her memory are husband of 65 years, Irvin Oberreuter of Danbury; children: Chris (Angela) Oberreuter of Adel, Iowa, Mike (Carrie) Oberreuter of Danbury, Steve (Sherri) Oberreuter of Battle Creek, Lynn Plantz of Rohlf, Iowa, Mark (Robin) Oberreuter of Le Mars, James (Angie) Oberreuter of Danbury, and Craig (Brandy) Oberreuter of Grimes, Iowa; 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; two step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren; extended family and friends.

Elleen was preceded in death by her parents, Harlan and Phyllis Christie; grandchildren, Tiara Oberreuter, Nicolas Plantz; great granddaughter, Faith Lynn Plantz; son-in-law, Dave Plantz; and in-laws, Joe and Anna Oberreuter.