Ellen Lorberg

Mary “Ellen” Lorberg, 85, of Gordonville passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, after a courageous battle of ALS.

She was born at home on the farm on February 18, 1940, in Charleston, Missouri, daughter of Edwin F. and Alma Fluegge Birk.

Ellen was baptized on March 24, 1940, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran church in Sikeston. She and John Lorberg met in 1960 through Christ Lutheran Church’s Walther League and were married on December 9, 1962, at Concordia Lutheran Church. They shared 50 years of marriage before his passing on April 9, 2013.

Ellen was the valedictorian of the Class of 1957, the last graduating class of Diehlstadt High School. Following graduation, she attended Droughon’s Business School in Memphis, Tennessee. After working in banking for a few years, she embraced her greatest calling as a farmer’s wife and homemaker, pouring her energy into her family and farm life.

Ellen lived a full and active life. An avid bowler for more than 30 years, she enjoyed her time with the Coffee Drinkers League. She and John were world travelers, and after his passing, she continued to explore the world with family and friends, creating treasured memories along the way. A devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville, Ellen found joy in cooking for church events and bereavement meals, serving faithfully in the Ladies Aid, and participating in the Progressive Homemakers Club for many years. Above all, her greatest joy came from her family—especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Loving survivors include her son, Jeffrey (DeAnn) Lorberg of Gordonville; a daughter, Sarah (Stephen Kielhafner) Schumacher of St. Louis; five grandchildren, Leah (Justin) Metzger, Tyler (Katie) Lorberg, Laramie (Ty) Crowden, Logan and Mason Schumacher; six great-grandchildren, Cooper, Brynlie and Rhett Lorberg, Granger Metzger, and Clyde and Penelope Crowden; siblings, Roy (the late Judy) Birk, Larry (Gretchen) Birk, David (Ann) Birk and Joyce (Allen) Clark; brother-in-law, Jerry (Barb) Lorberg; sisters-in-law, Joan (Joe) Battle and Janet (Leonard) Fielder; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother and sister-in-law, Charles (Shirley) Birk.

The visitation will be from 9 am until service time on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville.

The Rev. Jacob May will conduct the funeral service at noon, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the church.

Interment will follow at Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery in Gordonville.

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

The family suggests that contributions be made to Day 3 Seeds, Christ Lutheran Church or Amen Center.