Ellen Kirkestue

Ellen Lorraine Kirkestue, 84, of Postville died Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at her home in Postville. A Private Memorial Service followed a Monday, August 17 visitation. Inurnment was at Postville Cemetery, Postville.

Ellen was born August 17, 1935 to Arthur Ernest and Emma (Wermuth) Warnke in Cresco. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco. Ellen graduated from Cresco High School in 1953.

Ellen was united in marriage with Edwin Clifford Kirkestue August 17, 1953 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. They lived for years north of Postville on the farm, then moved to a property located on Frankville Road. Ellen loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed being a farm wife and working with her flowers, planting in general and watching things grow. Ellen was a wonderful cook and she adored her little dog, Misty.

Surviving Ellen are her children: Sue Ellen (Alan) Mork of Bettendorf, Milton (Jeanette) Kirkestue of Postville and Kenneth (Ann Marie) Kirkestue of Monona; her grandchildren: Tessy (Matt) Meenan, Erik Mork, Rachel (John) Holm, Corey (Debbie) Kirkestue, Sarah (Jim) Bovia, Shannon Kirkestue and Kyle Kirkestue; her great-grandchildren: Brady and Carson Meenan, Alexis (Chase) Wiegmann, Cortney and Collin Holm, Jacob, Adam and Trey Kirkestue, and Chloe Bovia and Bryce Kirkestue.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Clifford Kirkestue; her parents, Arthur and Emma Warnke; her brothers, Paul Warnke and Eugene Warnke; and one sister, Lucille Warnke.

The family would like to thank Sandy, Nancy and Jill from Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice, Dr. McMullan and Pastor Lynn for their excellent care and compassion.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville assisted the family with arrangements.