Born in Chicago, Illinois. Graduated with a major in theology from Valparaiso University where she met Don Luepke of Fort Wayne and married in 1966. Served as Director of Youth Ministry and later as church secretary at Shore Haven Lutheran Church in Euclid, Ohio. In 1974 Don accepted a call to teach mathematics at Concordia Lutheran High School and the family of four including sons Matthew and Nathan moved to Fort Wayne. Ellen renewed her passion for music by teaching classroom music from preschool and primary grades at Concordia Lutheran School as well as piano lessons at home. She was part of a team to establish Stephen Ministry at Concordia Lutheran Church and served as Director of Care Ministry there until her retirement.

     Ellen and Don moved up to Clear Lake where they cared for Don’s parents. Both found their niches of service at Peace Lutheran Church. Stephen Ministry was established, and Ellen again assumed a leadership role. She facilitated a Men/Woman’s Bible Class which she led for 15 years. She is a member of the Comfort Dog Ministry and “sticks her nose” into as many volunteer agencies as possible including 10 years as a consultant with the Compassion Pregnancy Center in Angola.

     Ellen received the Maxine Rippe Award in 2022 from the Lutheran Foundation for service in helping people in Allen County and beyond who were hurting physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She is still most thankful to be able to “gift” organizations and individuals who are committed to serving in a caring ministry with the generous monetary gift that came with this award.

     She is also blessed to have been with the same Cottage Bible Group for the last 50 years as well as three precious grandchildren, Danielle, Lukas and Caleb as well as a most wonderfully talented and ministry-focused daughter-in-law, Melissa.