Donna J. Ellis

IRONWOOD, Mich. — Donna J. Ellis, 72, of Saxon, Wis., passed away on Nov. 23, 2018, in Ironwood.

Donna was born on Aug. 7, 1946, in Ironwood, the daughter of Walter and Leone (Blondie) Damgard. She was a graduate of Saxon High School.

On Nov. 9, 1968, she married Gary Ellis at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Saxon. They enjoyed 50 years together, working as dairy farmers for the first 30 years.

Donna was an avid reader, a great cook, and enjoyed having coffee with friends and family on her deck, and spending time with her grandkids and family.

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Gary; children, Rori (Paul) Mattson, Waterloo, Wis., Shannon (Joe) Wendler, Wittenberg, Wis., and Ryan Ellis (Tanya Pankratz), Mellen, Wis. She was blessed with five grandchildren, Jeremy, Garrett and Cassidy Mattson, and Cadence and Jase Ellis; sister, Dennice (Bill) Polencheck; sisters-in-law, Karen Damgard and Elaine Kaminske; as well as nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, Donna was also preceded in death by her brother, Denny Damgard; her in-laws, Clarence and Hildur Ellis; and brother-in-law, Emil Kaminske.

Out of respect for Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Private committal and internment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Saxon in the spring.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Villa Maria in Hurley for the care given to Donna.