Merwyn R. "Skinny" Ellis 93 of Dubuque, passed away Monday, April 30, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Cathedral of St. Raphael with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Entombment will be in Resurrection Garden Mausoleum, Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 J.F. Kennedy Rd. where a parish scripture wake service will be recited at 7:00 p.m.
Skinny was born on July 8, 1924 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Glenn V. and Cecelia M. (Pauly) Ellis. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1942. On June 18, 1946, Skinny married Bette J. Paisley at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on September 14, 2006. He was a Boy Scout leader for over 40 years and proud that he had over 80 Eagle scouts in that time period. He received two of scouting awards for service, the Silver Beaver and the St. George Awards. Skinny started his appliance service career as service manager at Montgomery Ward in the 50's and later started Ellis Appliance in 1972. He was known to be able to repair anything. He was a Master Gardener and did volunteer work for the Iowa State extension office. He was a lifetime 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 510 and a member of the local musician union. Skinny played saxophone with dance bands in Dubuque with many dances at the Melody Mill. He enjoyed his monthly lunches with his class of "42".
Surviving are his children, Robert (Judy) Ellis, William (Mary) Ellis, Judith (Dennis) Bemboom and Peggy (Gary) McGraw all of Dubuque, Sue (Ron) Bergfeld of Clive, IA, Cathie (Dale) Bemboom of N. Buena Vista, IA and Tom (Christy) Ellis of Dubuque. 15 Grandchildren, Scott, Chad, David, Amy, Stacy, Josh, and Arron Ellis, Mara McGrath, Steve and James Bemboom, Julie Russell, Dr. Jennifer Mohr, Jeremy McGraw, Cindy Winston and Lisa Vento; 25 great grandchildren and one on the way; his brother, Keith Ellis of Dubuque and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Bette, a grandson Alan Bergfeld and a brother, Robert V. Ellis.
A Merwyn R. Ellis memorial fund has been established.
The Ellis family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center for their constant care and support.