Pastor Stellhorn Of Zion Lutheran Dies At Age 88

The Rev. Ernest C. Stellhorn, 88, pastor-emeritus of Zion Lutheran Church which he served for 30 years, died last night after a long illness at his home at 120 Packard St.
The Rev. Mr. Stellhorn came to Ann Arbor as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church on Sept. 1, 1917, and preached his retirement sermon at the church on Oct. 5, 1947. He continued to serve the congregation and actively assist in pastoral duties until a year ago.
He was honored twice by his congregation. Special services and a reception attended by over 500 persons marked the observance of his 25th anniversary with the local church in August, 1942. A gift from the congregation was presented to him following special services in honor of the 50th year of his ordination in May, 1946.
The Rev. Stellhorn and his wife were honored in 1941, by University students as founders of the Lutheran Student Association on the U-M campus.
During his pastorate the Rev. Mr. Stellhorn was a vice-president of the Michigan District of the American Lutheran Church, chairman of the stewardship and finance committee, co-chairman of missions for the Michigan District, and a member of the judiciary committee of the American Lutheran Church.
He received a doctor of divinity degree from Capital University in Columbus, O., on Aug. 20, 1948, in recognition of his service to the American Lutheran Church.
He was born in Altenberg, Mo., on Aug. 13, 1874, the son of the Rev. F. W. and Christine Buenger Stellhorn. He was graduated from Capital University and from the Lutheran Seminary there.
He was ordained by his father, who was dean of the seminary, on May 22, 1896, and was installed in a pastorate in Steubenville, O., where he served for three years.
He also served congregations in Fredona, Pa., Botkins, O., Union City, Ind., and St. Mary’s, O., before being called to the Ann Arbor church in 1917.
He married the former Anne Dornbrier of Sandusky, O., in July, 1897.
The Rev. Mr. Stellhorn traced his mother’s side of his family back to the Protestant Reformation in Germany when a Catholic priest, one of his ancestors, with other priests, accepted the Lutheran faith. Every generation of his family had at least one doctor and one minister, from that time up through his generation.
Mrs. Stellhorn’s father, the late Rev. Mr. Dornbrier, founded 12 congregations in northern Ohio. He served Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky for many years and the church was served by his descendants after him.
The Rev. Mr. Stellhorn is survived by his wife; three sons, Dr. Chester of Detroit, Arthur of Silver Spring, Md., Robert Grant of Severna Part, Md.; two daughters, Mrs. William (Ruth) Mackenson of Bar Harbor, Me., and Mrs. James (Rachel) Welch of Washington, D. C.; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ralph B. Piper, the Rev. Henry Yoder, and the Rev. Norman Menter, president of the Michigan District of the American Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Muehlig Chapel until 9 a.m. Wednesday. The body will lie in state at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.