Johann Ellerbrake

Johann Lee Ellerbrake (née Havenner), age 91, of Old Enterprise Farms, O’Fallon Township, Illinois, passed away peacefully of natural causes on the morning of Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Katy Cavins Community Center, 309 E Fifth Street, O’Fallon, Illinois, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 1:00–5:00 p.m.

Johann was born to Wilson Elsworth and Madeline Esther (née Nash) Havenner on November 18, 1934, in Washington, D.C., where she grew up with five siblings. She attended Antioch College from 1952–1955, ultimately graduating in 1957 from Washington University School of Medicine with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She later returned to school, further pursuing her lifelong passion for healthcare, and graduated in 1983 with a Master’s in Business Administration (Health) from Webster University.

On June 9, 1957, she married the love of her life, Richard P. Ellerbrake. Together, they shared nearly 69 years of a beautiful marriage built on a foundation of family, social justice, political action, and shared devotion to their community.

She touched countless lives, first at Caroline Mission in St. Louis and at Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she was involved in youth ministry and early childhood education; then as a traveling physical therapist; and later as the Director of the Mamie O. Stookey School in Belleville, which provided a caring, inclusive educational experience and interdisciplinary therapies for young children with special needs and their families. She retired as the Executive Director of Ranken Jordan Extended Pediatric Care Facility (now Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital) in Maryland Heights, where she championed innovative and compassionate transitional care for children with complex medical needs.

Her fierce advocacy for social justice, community equity, and early childhood development extended to numerous leadership roles across the Metro East and within the wider United Church of Christ (UCC), locally and nationally. Johann was heavily involved with the UCC Council for Health and Human Services, and proudly served on the board of directors of Uni-Pres Kindercottage in East St. Louis, helping to nurture and empower young learners. She was also a foundational voice and longtime champion for the United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM), working alongside faith leaders to drive systemic transformation across Southwestern Illinois. Additionally, she dedicated her time to the board of directors of Hoyleton Youth & Family Services in Fairview Heights and to the UCC Illinois South Conference.

In recognition of her exceptional professional legacy and humanitarian impact on pediatric healthcare and community welfare, Johann was honored with the prestigious St. Louis Women of Achievement Award in 1989.

While always a fearless world traveler, an avid birdwatcher, a flower gardener, and a lover of puzzles and games, Johann’s greatest joy remained her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Richard P. Ellerbrake of Lebanon; her two beloved children, Stephen (Kelly) and Christopher, both of Lebanon; four grandchildren, Trevor (Teri) of Lebanon, Morgan of Belleville, Jake of Chicago, and Reid of Chicago; and two great-grandchildren, Draven and Weston of Lebanon. She also leaves behind a large, loving extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews; the Bell family; her cherished “Farm Family”; and a wide circle of close friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Madeline Havenner; all five of her siblings, Rosemary, Esther, Elizabeth, Carolyn, and Wilson (Sonny); her son David, who passed away in 1981; and her daughter Laura, who passed away in infancy in 1967.

In keeping with her lifetime of medical service and selflessness, Johann generously donated her body as an anatomical gift to the St. Louis University School of Medicine.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Johann’s honor to The David P. Ellerbrake Memorial Scholarship via the Saint Louis University Giving Portal or by mail to St. Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand, St. Louis, MO, 63104, or to a charity of your choice.