Karen Diane Ellis 1942-2000

WENGER, GILSON, ELLIS, HENRIKSEN, HAGEMAN, HARRIS, HELGERSON

Posted By: M. Durr - IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 7/12/2010 at 18:36:22

Funeral services for Karen Ellis were held Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000 at 11 a.m. in the Community Presbyterian Church at Postville, Iowa. The Rev. Gary Catterson officiated. The Schutte Funeral and Cremation Service of Clermont was in charge of arrangements. Casket bearers were Terry Meyer, Brad Harris, Mike Ellis, Matt Ellis, Tim Gilson, and Brian Batterson. Burial was in the Elgin Cemetery at Elgin, Iowa.

Karen Diane Ellis, the daughter of Oliver Wayne and Corinne (Wenger) Gilson, was born March 12, 1942 at West Union, Iowa. She passed away Saturday evening, October 7, 2000 in Palmer Lutheran Health Center at West Union, Iowa. She had reached the age of 58 years, 6 months and 25 days.

She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Methodist Church at Elgin, Iowa. Karen was graduated from Elgin High School in 1960.

On June 12, 1960 she was married to Kenneth Eugene Ellis at Waukon, Iowa. They were the parents of Danny, Heidi and Beverly. Karen enjoyed her family, helping her children, her grandchildren and her mother. She and Gene had served as foster parents, had operated Ellis Grocery and Valley Burgers. The family raised a variety of animals which Karen enjoyed caring for. Karen loved crocheting and camping with her family. During the past years her illness did not allow her to do the things she wanted, but was able to maintain her faith and kept a positive attitude.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband on May 28, 2000, three sisters-in-law, Beverly Gilson, Doris Meyer and Jane Ruckdaschel, and brothers-in-law, Lyle Ruckdaschel and Robert (Bill) Harris (Sr.).

Surviving are her son, Danny (Mary) of West Union, IA, a daughter, Heidi (Eric) Henriksen of Clermont, IA, and a daughter Beverly (Lee) Hageman of Ossian, IA. There are ten grandchildren: Tara, Megan, Devin, Amanda and Joshua Ellis; Lucas, Lynzee, and Landon Henriksen; Brittnee and BreeAnn Hageman; a brother-in-law, Dale (Connie) Ellis of Elgin, IA; two sisters-in-law, Donna Harris and Betty (Milo) Helgerson, all of Postville; three brothers, Gary (Karen) Gilson of Oelwein, IA, and David (Linda) Gilson of Des Moines, IA; and several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Karen was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church at Postville.

She was inspiring to her family and all who knew her because of the way she courageously dealt with her untreatable illness. She only thought of how everyone else was doing and always was appreciative of the smallest gestures and visits.

Postville, Iowa newspaper of the time clipping, from my mother's obituary collection. Posted for genealogical purposes, contributor is not related.