Obituary of Ellen Lois Wardenburg

Ellen L. Wardenburg, age 90 of Tiffin, formerly longtime resident of Iowa City died peacefully at her home, Friday, February 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. 

A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, with funeral services beginning at 6pm.  Private family graveside services will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established to support causes important to Ellen and her family.  

Ellen Lois Balfany was born December 27, 1933, in Lamberton, Minnesota, the daughter of Anton and Alvina (Seefeldt) Balfany.  She grew up and lived on the family farm until her mid twenties.  After that, she moved to South Dakota where she took a job as a nanny.  In 1964  Ellen moved to Iowa City where she met and later married Richard J. Wardenburg on December 16, 1967 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.  The couple made their home on 4^th Avenue in Iowa City where they raised their three daughters.  She worked at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for over 37 years,  starting out in the dietary department then transferring to the housekeeping department,  retiring in 2001.  She was never one to sit still, always staying busy.  In retirement she continued to work hard doing what she knew best, cleaning several homes for families in the area.

Ellen enjoyed working outside in her gardens, planting flowers, canning, playing cards, putting together puzzles, sewing, and loving on her grandchildren.  She was known for her delicious potato salad and her Minnesota version of casserole, “hotdish”.  Nothing compared to the love and joy she had for her grandchildren. It’s true what they say, “There’s no rules at Nana's house”.  She always made sure no one left hungry or empty handed.

Her family includes three daughters, Paula Caylor, Lori Aisenbrey, and Julie Wardenburg; six grandchildren, Evan “Patrick” and Zachary Aisenbrey, Madeline, Mara (whom she called  Dolly), Nicholas, and Jackson Caylor; Ellen’s sister, Reva Walder; brother-in-law, Wayne Wardenburg; son-in-law, Darin Aisenbrey; and several nieces and nephews; and granddogs, Buddy, Bae, and Charlie, who were always at her side patiently waiting for a treat or two.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law Jason Caylor, 2 brothers and 5 sisters.