Elton LeRoy Ellis, age 81, died Sunday, November 8, 2020, after a 10-year battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones at his home.
Elton was born on April 17, 1939 to Virgil and Francis (Schutte) Ellis. He graduated from high school in Redfield, South Dakota in 1957. He joined the Army in 1959 and had a honorary discharge in 1962. He was SpF and spent his Army career in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. Elton and Betty dated for 5 years before he went into the services. They married after he got out of the service on September 2, 1962 at First Methodist Church in Rochester, Minnesota. They had three children, Danny LeRoy, Terri Lynn and Jeffrey Todd. He worked 64 years in the grocery business. He worked for Red Owl, Alpha Beta (California), and Cub Foods was his last job before retirement.
Elton was a member of The American Legion Post 0092 for 14 years. Elton loved tractors, playing cards, checkers, dominoes, and in their earlier years they were an avid dancing couple at Pla-Mor Ballroom and Dog Patch Inn. He enjoyed watching football especially his favorite team Packers. He enjoyed spending time with his family. One of his great joys was watching the bird aviary in his front yard.
Elton is survived by his wife Betty of 58 ½ years; his children, Danny LeRoy Ellis, Terri (Greg) Burke, Jeffrey Todd Ellis; grandchildren, Terra Lynn (Matthew) Melmer, Cherish (Brian) Lainhart, Michael Amos, Brett (Missy) Mielke, Brandyn Mielke, Deinara Jo, Andy, Brittney (Dakota), Alexandra, Amanda, Jeffrey Todd Jr; great-grandchildren, Tristan, Riley, Braelynn, Brynlee, Aurora, Renlee, Mya, Emma, Alex, Demitri, Emery; brother, Verlyn (Mavis) Ellis; sister-in-law, Rose Ellis.
Elton is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Virgil; sister, Dorothy (Quentin) Schutte; and brothers, Duane (Bonnie) Ellis, Delvin (Marlys) Ellis, Ronnie Ellis.
May our beloved Elton rest in peace in heaven.
A Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2020 with a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ, 1503 2nd Avenue NE, Rochester, Minnesota.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Larry may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
