Christesen, Ellis O., age 98, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2015 surrounded by family.
He was born in Alpha, MI on May 10, 1917 a son of the late Ellis Christesen, Sr. and Elizabeth (Dunkel) Christesen. Ellis attended Breitung Township Schools and served in the CCC during the Great Depression.
He went on to enlist in the US Army on August 28, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI. He served with distinction during WWII in both the Pacific (Aleutian Islands) and European Theaters.
Ellis returned home and was married to Norma (Tedeschi) on September 28, 1946. Together they raised two children. Ellis worked as a machine operator for Lake Shore, Inc. in Kingsford, MI until his retirement. He enjoyed his summers at his cottage near Sudbury, Ontario and relocated to Green Bay 25 years ago to be closer to family. Ellis loved to garden and read and particularly enjoyed spending time with his family and loved ones.
He is survived by his loving wife, Norma, of 68 years, his daughters Debra (Curt) Dworak and Denise (Brian) MacKenzie, his grandson Craig (Sarah) MacKenzie and an expected great-grandaughter. He also leaves a sister, Betty Molitor of Thousand Oaks, CA, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Denise Marie and an infant son Daniel “Danny”, his brothers Herbert (Ada), William (Elsa) and a sister Vivian (Joseph) Safranek.
Friends and relatives may call at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, (340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay) on Saturday, August 1, 2015 from 9 to 10:45 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM with full military honors. Interment will be in Quinnesec Cemetery, Quinnesec, MI.