David Paul Ellenberger's Obituary
Tribute – David Paul Ellenberger – Written with love by his family
On September 20, 2022, David Paul Ellenberger passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior after a brief month-long illness. He was at his home in Miami Lakes, surrounded by his parents, wife, children, sisters, and other close family members. David was 69 years old.
David is survived by his parents Paul and Florine Ellenberger of Lakeland, Florida; his wife of 38 years, Heidi Ellenberger; his children, Kristen Marie and Paul Clair Ellenberger of Miami Lakes, Florida and Stefan David Ellenberger of Atlanta, Georgia; his siblings Sandra Ellenberger Weise of Easton, Pennsylvania; Keith Gordon Ellenberger of Bamako, Mali, West Africa; and Karyn Ellenberger of Melbourne, Florida. He is also survived by 18 nieces and nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews.
David was born on July 7, 1953 in Mineola, New York. He graduated from Sherman Central High School in 1971 where he enjoyed soccer and football. He later attended Houghton College, followed by aviation school in Utica, New York, and later Miami-Dade College where he graduated with an Associate of Arts degree.
David married Heidi Deborah Nielsen in 1984. They met at Central Alliance Church in Miami and it was true love at first sight. They had a 38-year long love affair and welcomed Kristen Marie in 1986, Stefan David in 1990 and Paul Clair in 1996. David’s utmost joy was his family, whom he loved dearly. He selflessly served his family and taught with gentleness and compassion. He dedicated his life to the enrichment of others. He had a long aviation career, including working at Opa Locka Airport in Miami, Eastern Airlines and American Airlines. When he started with American in 1990, he worked out-of-state in Oklahoma and Texas for more than five years. In 1996 he was able to transfer home to Miami. During this challenging time he faithfully travelled home every week to be with his family. David was a wonderful cook, baker, talented artist, craftsman, carpenter, and mechanic. He taught his sons his precise skills and freely shared his knowledge with others. David loved nature and shared his joy of God’s simple blessings in the world with his family. Family vacations always included hikes, many in America’s beautiful national parks.
In October 2020 David retired from American Airlines. He quickly used this opportunity to serve as a trustee at his church and as a Sprouts volunteer helping elementary school children in Hialeah after school with their homework.
David followed Christ his entire life and was a faithful servant of the Lord. This was easily apparent to everyone who met him. He now rests in peace in his heavenly home with Jesus. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation with the family and friends will be held on Friday, September 23 from 6-9 PM at Memorial Plan San Jose Palm Avenue Funeral Home, 4850 Palm Avenue, Hialeah, Florida.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 24 at 2 PM at Hope Miami Lakes United Methodist Church, 14800 Ludlam Road, Miami Lakes, Florida.
Donations in David’s honor may be made to Miami Lakes United Methodist Church, specified for the Sprouts ministry, in which David served. Please mail any donation to the church at the address above.
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