Warren Ellis

Warren L. Ellis, from Broken Bow, NE, passed away Thursday Feb. 19, 2015 at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln, NE. Warren was a long-time business-man, family-man and supportive resident of Broken Bow, NE. He had been living at Gramercy Hill Retirement home in Lincoln, NE, since July 2014. He absolutely loved living at Gramercy Hill and made many friends here. Warren was the son of W. Leland and Mary (Owen) Ellis of Wayne, NE. He was born April 27, 1931 at Randolph, NE. He married Mardelle C. Larsen of rural Wayne, NE on March 30, 1951 and had four children. Diane Larsen (Larry), Liberty, NE; Roger Ellis, Salina, KS and special friend Toni; Keith Ellis (Karen) of Lincoln, NE; and Brad Ellis (Traci) of Scottsbluff, NE. Ten grandchildren; Michelle Larsen Heath (Chad), Jennifer Larsen Little (Jerad), Justin Larsen, Amy Ellis Rhone, Jeff Ellis (Heather), Matt Ellis (Marlo), A.J. Ellis (Becca), Tara Ellis King (Jerad), Meagan Ellis Basye (Bret), Caden Ellis, and three step-grandchildren, Lea Hendrickson, Jenna Hendrickson and Matt Hendrickson. Warren also had 14 great grandchildren, Collin, Mason and Avery Heath; Jaydin, Owen and Gavin Little; Everett and Canaan Larsen; Brett Rhone; Addison and Andrew Ellis, Myla Basye; and Easton and Ryker King. Warren graduated from Wayne, NE High School where he participated in football, basketball and track. Dad often boasted of his prowess as a 125lb. guard in the line. He played the violin while in high school and attended Wayne State College, majoring in business and played the violin in the college orchestra. His violin was a very special part of his life. Warren served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, entering on October 2, 1950 and was honorably discharged on July 20, 1954. He was stationed in San Diego, CA and served most of his time in Japan. While in the service he played the baritone with the Navy Band and worked as a Yeoman First Class in the communication department on-board ship. Warren was a 50 year member of the American Legion. When Warren finished his service to his country, he moved back to Wayne and worked at Swan’s Clothing Store. In 1961 he moved his family to Broken Bow, NE where he was employed at Warricks Dept. Store. In 1965, he and Mardelle owned and operated Bowette Ladies Apparel. Warren was also employed at Wenquist Auto for many years as a bookkeeper. They purchased Fariss Men’s Wear in 1971 from Lester Fariss. They retired from the store in 1995. Warren was a youth baseball coach, American Legion Umpire, and long-time public address announcer for baseball and football. He was recognized for 20 years of service as the announcer for the Broken Bow Indian Football team. His hobbies were gardening (especially growing his favorite flower, the hibiscus). He loved fishing, computer electronics (he built his own computer), and listening to music. Warren enjoyed going to all his children’s activities including grandchildren and great grandchildren. After he moved to Lincoln he enjoyed getter together with his family for birthdays and activities. Warren was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mardelle Ellis, his wife of 63 years; (February 19, 2013), parents W. Leland and Mary (Owen) Ellis, infant brother Dwayne, his wife’s parents, Harvey and Emilia Larsen), great granddaughter Sofie King and step-great grandson Kale David Stanley. Warren is survived by his four children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Especially, his is also survived by his sisters, Rosie (Ellis) and Ken Nuernberger, Bob and Barbara (Ellis) Andrews, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janet and Victor Kneische, and many nieces and nephews. Warren will always be remembered for his kindness and his devotion to family. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 2:00 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Broken Bow with Minister Kathy Salts officiating. Interment will be at the Broken Bow Cemetery with Military Rites. Memorials will be to Our Savior Lutheran Church for a special project. Visitation will be held on Friday 8 AM to 8 PM with the family greeting friends 5 PM to 8 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow.