Wilfred 'Buddy' George Ellis

HURLEY, Wis. - Wilfred "Buddy" George Ellis, 94, of Hurley, passed away at Sky View Nursing Center in Hurley on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. He was born to James Henry and Pearl Agnes (Gamache) Ellis on Jan. 17, 1924 in Bessemer Township. He married Frances H. Mladenoff on Aug. 2, 1947 at St. Ambrose.

He attended Puritan School. Wilfred worked as a deliveryman for Brookvale Dairy in Ironwood for several years, CCC for 8 months and was an order filer in the glass department for Marshall Fields in Chicago for several years. He entered the U.S. Army on Jan. 5, 1943 in Chicago, IL. During WWII he served Asiatic-Pacific Theater of operation. Wilfred was discharged on Jan. 9, 1946 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin at the rank of Corporal, Battery A, 472nd , AAA AW BN. Upon discharge from the Army, he worked at the Geneva Mine until it closed in 1965. He then went to work for White Pine Copper Company from which he retired in 1982. From 1983 to 1992 he worked at Powderhorn as a lift operator.

Wilfred was a member of the Hurley American Legion Post #58 and VFW Post #1580. He was also a former member of the Hurley Fire Department. He bowled for the Hurley VFW in the Iron County league in his younger years. He enjoyed woodworking and was a member of the S.N.P.J (Slovenian National Benefit Society).

Wilfred was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Frances on Sept. 26, 2013, his brother James H. Ellis in 2007, sisters Elaine Fingeroos and Beverly Kangas in 2004.

Wilfred is survived by his son Thomas (Paula) Ellis of Woodbury, Minnesota, daughter Joanie Ellis of Hurley, brother Jack T. Ellis of Woodruff, Wisconsin, brother-in-law Marvin (Helen) Kangas of Bessemer, sisters Lois Symons of Bessemer, and Grace Cvengros of Ironwood. Two grandchildren, Ryan (Erin) Ellis of Marietta, Georgia and Michael Ellis (Meghan Carey) of Denver, Colorado; and greatgrandchildren Avery and Addison Ellis of Marietta, Georgia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the exceptional care given to Bud by the entire staff at Sky View Nursing Center during the last 5 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church, 404 Iron Street in Hurley, on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Frank Kordek, O.F.M. officiating. There will be a visitation at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. There will be a luncheon to follow at the church Parish Hall. Rite of Committal and inurnment will be in the spring at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery of Hurley.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family. For more information and to express condolences, visit http://www.mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.