Robert P. Ellis Sr. passed away peacefully on May 28, 2011, at the age of 90.

He was born Feb. 10, 1921, and he was raised in Michigan. After attending both high school and college in Kalamazoo, Mich., Bob served as a 1st lieutenant in the 88th Army division, 351st Infantry, and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star while serving his country in Italy during World War II.
In 1952, Bob married his sweetheart, Evelyn (nee Stamm), and with her raised four children, Joy (Robert) Kuhaupt, Robert (Laura) Ellis, Bruce (Shelli) Ellis, and Tom (Carrie) Ellis. Through his career in sales, Bob was promoted and transferred from Michigan to Illinois, then to Missouri, and finally to Wisconsin in 1971, and resided in Mequon for the last 34 years.

After retirement, Bob and Evelyn loved to travel to see old friends and always met many new ones along the way. They were able to travel to 13 different countries, taking cruises, train and bus trips.

Although they liked to travel, nothing pleased them more than to have family and friends stop at the house to chat over coffee, or to spend time with them out for dinner or at a ball game. When they weren’t traveling, Bob enjoyed working in his yard and was often found sitting in the shade admiring what he had just accomplished. Every birthday and holiday at the Ellis house was celebrated together as a family and always filled with laughter.

Bob was also an active member at Mequon United Methodist Church serving on many committees in different capacities, singing in the choir and giving freely of his time.

For those who had the opportunity to know Bob personally, they knew he was a caring and committed person who was always there to help. They knew that he loved his family, and was there to support and guide them all, from the very moment of all their births until the time of his death. Even now beyond his death, he still will continue to guide the family, including the 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren in many ways.

We miss you, Dad, but you’ll always be in our hearts. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2011, at Mequon United Methodist Church, 11011 N. Oriole Lane, Mequon, with a short memorial service to directly follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kathy’s House
(www.kathys-house.org).