JOHN J. ELLIS
June 12, 1917 - Dec. 9, 2008
MISHAWAKA - In loving memory of John J. Ellis who died at home after
a short illness with his loved ones taking care of him, especially his
granddaughter, Robyn, with the help of hospice. Surviving are
daughters Peggy (Mike) Kring of Mishawaka and Kathy (Tom) Steinen
of Little Rock, AK; sister Emma Van Vooren and brother-in-law Emiel;
6 grandchildren; 11 great-grand-children; 6 great-great-grandchildren
and many nieces and nephews. Preceding in death are his wife
Margaret (Throop) Ellis; son John Frederick Ellis; father Geza Czegledy; mother Mary
Barilich; granddaughter Hope; sister Mary and brothers George, Alex, Gaye, and Louis.
John was born on June 12, 1917 in South Bend, he moved to Mishawaka Senior
Community, Whispering Pines Apartments to be near his family. He married Margaret
Throop on December 23, 1939 and they were married 58 years before she died in
1997. He took such wonderful care of her with the help of his family and hospice.
When he was just 16, John joined the Civilian Conservation Corps where he became a
cook. He met his wife at a dance while in the CCC. He would hitchhike and walk from
Madison State Park to Pokagan Park just to see his beloved wife-to-be. John was a
milkman who delivered to homes early in the morning and then he would go to a tool
and die maker and watch and learn this skill. He worked and retired from Mastic Corp.
as a certified tool and die maker. He worked 10 hours a day, 6 days a week to support
his family. At age 65 he retired and started playing golf, which he so enjoyed. He loved
the sport as well as bowling and did both until he broke his hip. He continued to be a
fan of both, watching them on TV, along with football, especially the Bears and Colts .
John would read a mystery book a day and did crossword puzzles. He wanted to die
with a pen in hand doing a crossword puzzle. The family would like to extend a special
thank you to Robyn who took such good care of him along with hospice. Funeral
services will be conducted at 1 pm Saturday, December 13, in the Zahoran Funeral
Home, 1826 S. Kemble, South Bend. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial
Gardens. Family and friends may call 2 hours prior to services in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church or to the
Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. To leave the family an online condolence or to
share memories with the family, please visit our website www.zahoran.com .
Published in the South Bend Tribune on 12/12/2008