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Edwin R. Ellis Obituary – 9/20/2018


Edwin Richard Ellis, age 92, of Glencoe, passed away Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018.

He was born July 2, 1926, in rural Rich Valley Township, Glencoe, to Edward Vincent and Sophie Marie (Ondracek) Ellis; and attended St. Pius X Catholic Church in Glencoe. Edwin’s grandparents were Vincent and Josephine (Brychta) Ellis.

Edwin received his education at McLeod School District #6, also known as the “Koniska” or “Riverside” School. He grew up east of this school and had to cross the Crow River via fallen trees or rocks to attend.

After his education, he worked on his father’s farm and purchased his own acreage. Later, he helped his brother, Emil Ellis, when they attended farm equipment auctions together.

Edwin accompanied his sister, Margie to local wedding dances in the late 1940s. This was a source of entertainment for him, and he met many people through this socializing. In the 1950s to 1970s, Edwin dated Beatrice Anna Pavlish. She passed away in October 1971.

Edwin liked to go to area ballrooms for the Sunday afternoon polka dances. At one of these dances, he met and started dating Marsella “Sally” Myra (Hacker) Ries, who passed away in 2004.

Edwin lived most of his life on the farm passed down by his grandparents, Vincent and Josephine Ellis. This land parcel was purchased in about 1893; a member of the Ellis family has owned this property for over 120 years.

After a 2009 surgery, Edwin moved in with his brother, Emil Ellis, so he could have the care and companionship of Emil’s family. The family had a special bond with their uncle Edwin, and he lived with them until his death.

Edwin is survived by his sister-in-law, Bernice Ellis, of Glencoe; 19 nieces and nephews: Marlene (Anderle) Havelka, Paul Anderle Jr., Betty (Anderle) Steele, Judy (Anderle) Anderson, Mary (Anderle) Nass, Nancy (Anderle) Humlicek, James Tupa, Sue (Tupa) Shilha, Kathy (Tupa) Johnson, Patty (Tupa) Borchardt, Jeanne (Tupa) Ashburn, Tim Ellis, Randy Ellis, Lorie (Ellis) Wahlstrom, Jodi (Ellis) Lenz, Pam Ellis, Gary Ellis, Tricia Ellis, and Lonnie Ellis; 23 great nieces and nephews; 14 great-great nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Sophie Ellis; and siblings Doris Ellis, Edna (Ellis) Anderle, Margaret (Ellis) Tupa, and Emil Ellis.

Mass of Christian Burial took place Thursday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. at Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe, with interment following at the Glencoe Catholic Cemetery, next to Edwin’s brother, Emil Ellis. Father Anthony Stubeda officiated at the Mass. Pianist was Sue Mielke, and song leaders were Gus and Irene Makovsky. Musical selections included “Be Not Afraid,” “Hosea,” “I Am The Bread Of Life,” “Song Of Farewell,” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Casket bearers were Tim Ellis, Randy Ellis, Gary Ellis, Randy Wahlstrom, Tim Lenz, and Paul Anderle Jr.

Arrangements were with the Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel of Glencoe. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.mcbridechapel.com; please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

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