Derald Gene Ellinghausen, age 76, of Aurora, passed away on Friday, March 24. Born May 19, 1940 in Milan, he was the son of Ervin and Norma Haubrock Ellinghausen.
Raised in Manchester, Indiana, Derald was confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church there. Even though he lived most of his life in Aurora, he always had a special place in his heart for Manchester.
Derald graduated from Aurora High School with the Class of 1959 where he played football and basketball. He attended Hanover College where he played football his freshman year then transferred to Indiana University where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Biology and Physical Education. Affectionately known as “Big D” and “Mr. E”, Derald taught at North Dearborn High School for one year before teaching at Aurora Public and South Dearborn Schools for 38 years. He taught a range of subjects including biology, health, science, driver education, and physical education in junior and senior high, and coached football, basketball, golf, and soccer.
During his life, Derald was involved in many activities. He was an active member of the Aurora First Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and Deacon. He was a member of Aurora Lions Club for 54 years. Derald was an IU and Cincinnati Reds sports enthusiast. Derald enjoyed playing Bridge, traveling, golfing, fishing, watching IU basketball and football games, building swimming pools in the summertime, and the comradery of fellow teachers and former students. He always enjoyed reconnecting with his college friends and having lunch with his AHS 1959 classmates every Friday. Derald didn’t know a stranger, as he always enjoyed talking to everyone and telling jokes. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Over the years he always enjoyed his pet dogs, especially his recent lap dogs Sophie and Ellie. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, and friend and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Phee Petscher Ellinghausen who was his high school sweetheart; two daughters: Amy (Jeff) Goodwin of Solsberry, Indiana, Anne (Tom) Pickett of Heyworth, Illinois; four grandchildren: Matt Goodwin, Katelyn Pickett, Jacob Pickett, and Zachary Pickett; sisters-in-law Jean Petscher and Janis Petscher, brother-in-law Bill (Jennie) Petscher; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle Walter Haubrock, brother-in-law John Petscher, and several other aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held at the Aurora First Presbyterian Church on Monday, March 27 from 4:00 – 8:00. In honor of Derald and to celebrate his life, we encourage friends and family to wear red and white for Derald’s love of Aurora High School and Indiana University.
Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Dana Stout at the Aurora First Presbyterian Church, 215 Fourth St., Aurora on Tuesday, March 28 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Aurora Emergency Unit, Aurora Fire Department, Aurora Lions Club, Dearborn County Hospice, or Aurora First Presbyterian Church.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Dearborn County Hospice, Dr. Steven Langdon, and Dr. Kurt Leuenberger for their care of Derald.
If unable to attend services, please call the funeral home office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.
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