Eleanor “Ellie” Mary Emma Elizabeth Unterbrink, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away in Jackson, Michigan, surrounded by her family on June 21, 2025.
She was born the daughter of Hugo and Magaline (Buss) Schroeder on April 15, 1943. On November 23, 1963, in Kalida, Ohio, she married Kenneth B. Unterbrink, and he survives.
Ellie was known to love the outdoors and nature. She was a master gardener and never missed a sporting event for her children and grandchildren. Ellie enjoyed traveling and assisting Ken with his Knights of Columbus work. The Knights said that Ellie brought a sense of inclusion and love to the group. She was a member of the Equestrian Order Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Dame Grand Cross Holy Sepulchre), and she was honored for the many years of support she and Ken gave to the St. Louis Center. Faith and family were foremost in her life.
In addition to her husband Ken, she is survived by her daughters: Amy (Rick) Poljan, Beth (Todd) Starkey, Lisa (Dean) Castile, and Laura Maybaum. Additionally, Ellie is survived by her 13 grandchildren: Ellie Maybaum, Aden Castile, Chloe Castile, Quinn Starkey, Cameron Starkey, Tanner Starkey, Buddy (Kimberly) Poljan, Hillary Poljan, David (Bridgette) Poljan, Anthony (Ellie) Poljan, Rebecka (Nicholas) Williams, Bo Poljan, Mary Poljan; and three great-grandchildren: Bjorn Poljan, Richard Poljan V, and a great-grandson expected to be born in November. Ellie is also survived by her siblings: Angela Maag, Elizabeth Schroeder, Alex (Nancy) Schroeder, Rev. Stephen Schroeder, JoAnna Rieman, Ted (Judy) Schroeder, Rita (Stan) Kuhlman, and Frank (Dorothy) Schroeder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson Drew Bryan Starkey, brother George Schroeder, sister Verena Schmitz and brother John Schroeder.
The family will receive family and friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., from St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Stephen Schroeder and Con-Celebrant V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery following the Mass.
A luncheon will be held at St. Mary Hall after Ellie's funeral Mass.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, Michigan.
