Obituaries

Obituary Kenneth A. Ellis
Kenneth A. Ellis, 86, died at Autumn Leaves Memory Care on Sunday, June 7, 2020 after a long
battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born June 16, 1933 in Portland, Maine to A. Earl and Mabel (nee Alchorn) Ellis. He was
married to Janice Rasmussen on September 30, 1961.
Ken graduated South Portland High School followed by 2 years of college. He enlisted in the
US Air force during the Korean conflict. He often referred to his job in the military as a “tinknocker”.
After his military service in 1959, he relocated to St. Charles, IL in search of job
opportunities and lived with family. He met and married Janice Rasmussen and lived in St.
Charles his entire married life. He often said he was on a “57 year vacation” from Maine. He
worked as a Purchasing Agent for 35 years at US Printing and Lithograph, later known as
Diamond International. He started his own business, “Ken’s Home Repairs”, and spent his
free time doing odd jobs for local customers. He took great care and was passionate about his
elderly customers. He loved wood-working, cabinetry and small engine repair and often spent
his Saturdays in his basement workshop “tinkering” with odd projects and listening to WGN
radio. He was known for his quick wit and “wicked” sense of humor. He was a devoted
husband and loving father and adored his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his
grandchildren in his basement workshop and vacationing annually in Maine. He spent his
retirement years traveling to Denmark, England, Hawaii, and Alaska. He was a member of
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles for 57 years.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janice; daughters: Julie (Bob) Van Gyseghem of St.
Charles; Sheri Ellis of North Aurora; Kristi Ellis of St. Charles; Grandchildren, Matthew (Amanda)
Van Gyseghem of St. Charles; Tyler Van Gyseghem of De Kalb; Destiny and TJ Ellis of St.
Charles; and his nieces: Beth (Johnsen) St. Clair; Laura Ellis; Kirsten Rasmussen; and
nephews Bruce Johnsen; Brian Johnsen; and Kyle Rasmussen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Audrey Johnsen of St. Charles; Donald Ellis of
Stoughton, MA; and nephew Gregory Ellis of Stoughton, MA.
Due to COVID-19 limitations, a private service will be held at Yurs Funeral Home on Friday,
June 12 at 11:00 am followed by a public burial at Union Cemetery, 1200 N. 5th Ave., St.
Charles, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an Animal Shelter of your choice.
To leave online condolences……………….

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