Jerry Ellis

Jerry Ellis, 82, of Benton Harbor, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Metro Health Hospital in Wyoming, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 4071 Naomi Rd., Sodus with Rev. Mark Mitchell officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus, with Graveside Military Rites conducted by The North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may call from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.  Those wishing to sign Jerry’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jerry was born December 28, 1932 in Benton Harbor to Laurel “Tim” & Elizabeth “Elsie” (Moritz) Ellis.  He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1950.  On June 21, 1952, he married the former Anita Wolske in Benton Harbor.  Jerry served his country during the Korean War in the US Army.  Together Jerry & Anita operated Jerry Ellis Farms in Benton Harbor.  Jerry was also was employed during the off season as a mechanic at Gersonde Trucking, Zerbel GMC, and McDonald Dairy.   He was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.  Jerry enjoyed his coffee groups at Dawn Donuts, The Homestead, Roxy’s & Meijers, snowmobiling, his regular trips to the Chicago Farmer’s Market, The Chicago Auto Show, and the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Jerry is survived by his two daughters-Mona Burkett & Rene’ (Bruce) Gelder-both of Benton Harbor; six grandchildren-Heather (Casey) Caid, Andy Burkett, Jeremy Burkett, Mathew (Christina) Gelder, Marc Gelder, Mary Gelder; four great-grandchildren-Jeremiah Burkett, and Eli, Jonah & Nora Caid; three brothers-Ron (Rufie) Ellis of Benton Harbor, Rich (Jan) Ellis of St. Joseph Bill Ellis of Mt. Pleasant, MI; and numerous nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Anita on June 23, 2011, twin infant daughters Jean & Jane Ellis in 1966, his parents-Tim Ellis & Elsie Wenzlaff, and a brother Ken Ellis.