Lewis J. Ellwood 1914-1949

ELLWOOD, HEIDKE, STORY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 3/5/2011 at 22:57:11

Lewis Ellwood Dies Today
Tropical Disease Apparent Cause
Lewis Ellwood, 34, proprietor of Lewie’s Steak house west of Estherville, died 8 a.m. today in Veterans hospital in Sioux Falls. Death apparently was caused by an unidentified tropical disease which he contracted while in service during World War II. During the war he was stationed for about three years on various tropical islands.

Ellwood had suffered from the mysterious ailment for about a year, but had been able to be around. About six weeks ago he became worse, and Thanksgiving day was taken to Sioux Falls for observation and treatment. At various times he had undergone treatment in Veterans hospital in Des Moines [and] at Holy Family hospital. An autopsy will be performed in an attempt to determine the nature of his ailment.

Ellwood had lived in Estherville about 12 years, and before opening his steak house, had worked as city salesman for Gamble Robinson company. He is a member of Estherville Presbyterian church.

He is survived by his wife, the former Ruth Heidke, two children, Jamacia and Joe, a sister in Bonesteel, S.D., two brothers-in-law, Howard Heidke in Estherville and W. A. Heidke, jr., in service near St. Louis, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Erwin Story of Estherville, and his father in Philadelphia.

Funeral arrangements have not been made as yet. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, November 28, 1949)