Livingston- Kenneth B. “Kenny” Ellis, 85, of Livingston, died Wednesday March 9, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. Kenny was born on the family farm in Liberty Township on Nov. 30, 1930, the 9th of 13 children, to Orville and Elizabeth (Wisdom) Ellis. He married Gail Austin on Aug. 23, 1952, at the Congregational Church in Lancaster.
Kenny served in the US Navy from June 1951 to July 1954. His ship, the U.S.S. John Hood traveled around the world, surviving four hurricanes. Kenny grew up on, and later purchased, his family’s dairy farm, making it a century farm in 1993. He liked to spend time with his family, hunt, play cards, go to dances, and listen to country music. He was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2015. During his months of illness he was pleased to have so many visitors. His family and hospice cared for him until he passed in his sleep on March 9, 2016. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. The family would like to express a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and the Infusion Clinic at the VA Hospital in Madison for their loving care.
Kenny is survived by his wife Gail of Livingston, five children; Duane Ellis of Clinton, Gary (Phyllis) Ellis of Rewey, Sharon (Dean) Olson of West Salem, Wanda (Fred) Dieball of Colgate, and Yvonne (Rick) Knoche of McFarland, 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, one grandchild, a twin brother and nine other siblings.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday March 19, 2016 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort. Pastor Mark Hoehne will be officiating. Burial of the cremains with military honors will follow at the Rock Church Cemetery in Livingston. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday morning.