Charles Ellis

“Bill” Charles William Ellis Bill Ellis was called home to be with Jesus surrounded by his loving family on April 7, 2014 following a lifetime of blessings. He was 71 years old.   Bill was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in February of 2012 and fought a courageous battle. His fight even stunned his doctors. Bill was born to Raymond and Ruby Ellis on November 23, 1942 in Siren, WI. Bill graduated from Siren High School in 1961. Bill met his future wife, Ellen Valla, in the Twin Cities in 1968.   Bill asked Ellen to marry him on their first date. They married on June 14, 1969 in Meadowlands, MN. The young couple moved to Siren and ran a milk delivery business for several years. There, they welcomed their first child, Jenelle Marie, on September 10, 1974. The three moved to Eveleth, MN in 1979. On November 24, 1980, they welcomed their second daughter, Jodi Lea. In 1985, they left Eveleth and moved to Eau Claire. In 1988, the family settled back in Siren, and stayed. Bill worked for Big A Auto Parts and McNally Industries. Bill managed to make friends everywhere he went. He was always willing to help out a person in need. Bill is most well known for his generosity, smile, laugh, loving hugs, strong political views, his big hands and strong handshake, and the love he had for his family. Bill served on the Siren School Board for 19 years. He was also a member of the Masons for 39 years. Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ellen; his daughters, Jenelle (Kent) Lindquist of Siren; and Jodi (Nick) Miller of Hammond, WI. His sister Donna (Tim) Tjader of Siren; Pat (Morris) Peterson of Danbury; Doug (Debbie) Ellis of Chippewa Falls; Randy (Voranuch) Ellis of Thailand; his in-laws, Sylvester and Marjorie Valla of Floodwood, MN; John and Linda Valla of Culver, MN; and Edward Valla of Hibbing; his three grandchildren: Max Lindquist, Ellyn Lindquist, and Lauren Miller; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.   Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ruby Ellis; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mavis and Wayne Harmon; his niece, Aimee Elwell; and his great-nephew Adam Peterson; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. A visitation will be held Friday, April 11, 2014 from 5-8pm at Swedberg –Taylor Funeral Home in Webster with a short Masonic Service. A memorial service will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church in Grantsburg, WI on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 2:30 PM with a visitation from 1:30-2:30 PM. A private family interment will be held at Siren Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider a donation to Caringbridge; Regional Hospice; or St. Jude Medical Center.   Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster.   Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com