Robert P Ellis Sr., 90, of Mequon passed away peacefully on May 28, 2011, in West Bend.

He was born Feb. 10, 1921, in Kalamazoo, Mich., to Roy and Edna Ellis.

After attending both high school and college in Kalamazoo, Robert served as a 1st Lieutenant in the 88th Army division, 351st Infantry and received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star while on duty in the mountains of Italy during World War II.

In 1952 Bob married Evelyn Joyce Stamm of Kalamazoo, Mich., and together they had four wonderful children, Joy Lynn (Robert) Kuhaupt, Robert Paul (Laura) Ellis Jr., Bruce Alan (Shelli) Ellis and Thomas Edward (Carrie) Ellis.

He is further survived 12 grandchildren, Anthony (Carrie) Kuhaupt, Brian Kuhaupt, Amy Kuhaupt, Savannah (Tyler) Johnson, Mandy (Ryan) Halvin, Angela Ellis, Jessica Ellis, Stacey Gulley and Alex Weyer; five great-grandchildren, Katherine Evelyn Kuhaupt, Layla and Levi Beistle, Travis Halvin and Nathan Johnson.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; his parents; and sister, Doris Kampen.

After retirement, Robert and Evelyn loved to travel and visit old friends and met many new ones along the way. They were able to travel to 13 different countries, taking cruises, tours, train and bus trips. Although they liked to travel, nothing pleased them more then to either have family or friends stop at the house for coffee, to spend time with them out for dinner or go to a ball game. Every birthday and holiday was celebrated together as a family and always filled with much love and laughter.

Robert was an active member of Mequon United Methodist Church, serving on many committees in different capacities, singing in the choir and giving freely of his time. When they weren't traveling, Robert enjoyed working in his yard and was very proud of his roses. He could often be found sitting in a chair in the shade admiring what he had just accomplished.

For those that had the opportunity to know Robert, they knew he was a committed and caring person who gave freely and 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 their births until the time of his death. Even now beyond his death he still will continue to guide his family in many ways.

We miss you Dad, but you’ll always be in our hearts!

Visitation with the family will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 6, at Mequon United Methodist Church, 11011 N. Oriole Lane, Mequon with a short memorial service to follow.

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