John Michael Ellner, 65, of New Memphis, died Monday, February 16, 2009 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. He was born July 29, 1943 in Prairie Du Rocher, son of Josephine Mae Brown. He married Bernadette M. Dickens September 15, 1980 in Wainsville, MO and she preceded him in death on January 7, 2007.

Mr. Ellner is survived by his mother, Josephine Mae Barbeau of Prairie Du Rocher; two brothers, Paul (Beverly) Ellner of Red Bud and Mark (Lynette) Ellner of Prairie Du Rocher; a sister, Mary (Steve) Davis of Sparta; and nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his step-father, Stephen W. Barbeau and a nephew, Mark Anthony Ellner.

Mr. Ellner was a Veteran of the United States Army and was retired from civil service at Scott Air Force Base. He was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden; a life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 4183 at Scott Air Force Base and a member of the American Legion.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February, 19, 2009 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Neff officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 and from 9 a.m. until time of service Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the funeral home. The VFW will visit the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be received at the funeral home.