November 7, 1935 – April 24, 2026
Clear Lake – Ellen Marie Jandebeur, 90, died Friday, April 24, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. N., Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Cedar Cemetery 240th St. Lytton, IA, Sac County.
Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice.
Ellen was born November 7, 1935, in rural Sac County, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas F. and Betty (Schnirring) Huster. She was a proud, born-and-raised farm girl, carrying with her the strong values and work ethic of rural life throughout her years. She graduated from Lytton High School with the Class of 1953 and continued her education at Morningside College, where she received her teaching license. She later attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Ellen dedicated her career to education, working as a teacher and later as an executive board secretary for AEA. She retired in July of 2003.
Ellen met Eldon Jandebeur at a youth church camp while they were working as counselors. On July 7, 1957, she was united in marriage to Eldon Jandebeur in Sac City, Iowa. God then chose two children for them to raise together, Beth and Brent. Ellen faithfully supported Rev. Eldon in his ministry, serving alongside him at a number of Churches over the years and supporting the communities they were called to serve.
Ellen’s mother taught her how to cook, bake, and care for her family, skills she carried with her throughout her life. She became a wonderful cook and baker, and it was always a highlight for her friends and coworkers when it was her turn to bring treats to share. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafting, and knitting. She also had a love for music, playing guitar and piano and singing in church.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Raised with strong Christian values, she remained deeply devoted throughout her years, leading baptism classes and actively participating in church life. She was a member of First Christian Church in Mason City, Iowa. She was also a member of Chapter NW of P.E.O., a 51-year member of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Progress Club in Clear Lake. She enjoyed the moments spent volunteering as a reading buddy and a pen pal.
Ellen will be remembered as a caring, selfless, and thoughtful woman who approached life with intention and careful planning. She deeply loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and treasured the time spent with them. She also cherished her time with many special friends that meant so much to her.
She is survived by her son, Brent (Amy) Jandebeur; four grandchildren, Moriah Jandebeur, Christopher (Heather Darling) Jandebeur, Troy (Courtney) Jandebeur, and Emilie (Mac Nierling) Jandebeur; great-grandchildren, Odin, Ryker, Daniel, Benjamin, and Paul; brother, Edward (Shirley) Huster; sister-in-law, Joyce; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Betty Huster; her husband, Rev. Eldon Jandebeur; daughter, Beth Jandebeur; and her brothers, Walter Huster and Duane Huster.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428; 641-357-2193
ColonialChapels.com