Masel A. Ebmeier Kallenbach

Masel was the daughter of Edward and Mae Ebmeier. The family owned Ebmeier’s Restaurant and the Edward Hotel located on Fulton Avenue across from the L & N Railroad Station. Masel and her sister, Delores, operated the businesses until the 1950’s.

She graduated from Central High School. She and her husband, Melvin, founded Mel-Kay Electric Company in 1951. They enjoyed traveling with the Hadi Shrine, where Melvin served as Potentate. Masel and Melvin traveled all over the world including Europe, Africa, Russia, Australia and Japan, but her favorite destinations were Estes Park, Colorado and Kona, Hawaii, where she maintained homes. In her later years she especially enjoyed driving trips with her niece, Kim Ames.

She and her husband were founding members of St. John’s East United Church of Christ. Masel was a member of Evansville Country Club, Kennel Club, Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile and White Shrine. She served as a volunteer for a number of organizations including Lighthouse for the Blind, Girl Scouts of America and St. John’s East United Church of Christ. Masel enjoyed horseback riding in Colorado, playing tennis, bridge and reading.

Masel was an excellent cook. Growing up in the restaurant business during the depression, she learned and had a gift for making excellent meals from left-overs or whatever was in the pantry.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Melvin W. Kallenbach, in 2002.

Masel is survived by her daughter, Linda Garrett; grandchildren, Elizabeth Burkart (Robert), Timothy Hartig and Scott Hartig (Carrie); great-grandchildren, Ryan, Emily and Matthew Burkart, Edward and Harrison Hartig; sister, Delores Ames; sister-in-law, Winona Kallenbach; brother-in-law, Rev. Allen Kallenbach (Jacky); nieces and nephews.

Services will be 10:00 AM Friday, November 4, 2011, at St. John’s East United Church of Christ, 7000 Lincoln Avenue, officiated by Rev. Kenneth Townsend, with entombment in Oak Hill Mausoleum. Friends may visit Thursday from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s East United Church of Christ or Boys and Girls Club of Evansville.