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Dwight Holmes Ellis III

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Harvard University

Dwight Ellis Obituary

Ellis, Dwight Holmes III Passed away on September 24, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 64. He was a loving and devoted husband and best friend to Lin Ellis (nee Martineau) for 41 years, and an adored father and cherished friend to his two daughters, Jenny (Greg) Richards and Stephanie (Jay) Radtke. Dwight was also the much beloved Papa of Owen (5), Liam (3) and Connor (3 months) Richards, and Cliff Radtke (2). Dwight was the dear brother of Thomas (Bonnie) and Jonathan (Yael) Ellis, brother-in-law of Judy (Mark) Schueller and Jan Martineau, and uncle of Matt Gridley and Molly, Emily, Anna, Coral, Hope and Dylan Ellis. He is further survived by other relatives and many good friends. Dwight was born on August 4, 1947 in New London, Connecticut. He was a shareholder of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. for twenty-two years before opening his solo practice in 2004. Before private law practice, Dwight was a member of the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. Air Force. He was also a proud alumnus of Belmont Hill School, Harvard College, and Harvard Law School. Dwight lived in Milwaukee for 34 years where he was an active community leader and was involved in numerous non-profit organizations. Dwight's goal in life was to help make the world a better place, and he was always ready to put others before himself and to lend a helping hand and a smile. Dwight loved spending time at Crystal Lake with his family, and cherished weekends spent playing golf, drinking wine and watching baseball. Above all, Dwight cherished his family and put them first. He was a loving and fiercely devoted husband, and a wonderful mentor and father and grandfather to his daughters and grandsons. He will be profoundly missed. Dwight's love for family and life will carry on in their hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Family will greet friends on Monday, October 3, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Feerick Funeral Home, followed by a service honoring Dwight's life at 5:00 PM. Interment will be private for the family. Memorials in Dwight's name may be made to Literacy Services of Wisconsin or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Sep. 28 to Oct. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Dwight Ellis

10 Entries

Robert (Bob) Gruters

May 2, 2017

I knew Dwight from high school in Groton CT before he transferred to Belmont Hill in MA. I spent many hours with Dwight and his mom and brother Tom (?) at their home playing cards and going to the beach and movies at the Sub Base down the road from where they lived. I just now became aware of his death and feel badly for him and his family. As all of you who knew Dwight know, he was an absolutely terrific person, aside from so intelligent and his many other virtues. I last saw and spoke to Dwight at my wedding in 1976. He was so-o-o-o down to earth and real as a person, and his sense of humor was 2nd to none. I will always treasure my time with and memories of Dwight and I hope his family members are doing OK these years later. Feel free to contact me if you wish.

Julie Chier Harrington

October 3, 2011

Dwight was my estate planning lawyer. I followed him from Whyte & Hirschboeck. He was not only an exemplary lawyer but such an ethical and personable man. Dwight was always fair, and I trusted him implicitly. Dwight had a great personality and even though estate planning was a serious subject, he made it easy.

My prayers go out to his entire family. God Bless and remember all the wonderful memories.

Dwight at 1994 LFOA kick off party

Rhonda Larson

October 3, 2011

Dear Ellis Family,
I had the privlege of knowing Dwight for over 20 years due to his involvement in the Lakefront festival of Arts. He co-chaired the festival after me and we met for consultations. Then in 2007 after the passing of my husband he assisted in the long legal process of finalizing probate for me which was a four year process, in addition to doing all my taxes. He was a class act in all he did, and will be missed. I am in shock as I know you all are and my deepest sympathies go out to all of his family.

Ryan Billings

October 3, 2011

I met Dwight while interviewing for a position with Weiss Berzowski Brady LLP. I found him to be a warm and brilliant man and regret that I didn't have the opportunity to get to know him better.

My thoughts and prayers are with Dwight and his family.

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Diane Pike

October 1, 2011

Dear Lin,
You are in my heartfelt thoughts...more than words can say. My deepest sympathy.

Marsha Huff

September 30, 2011

Dwight's ideas and insights were valued by the Board of Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library. We will miss his good company as well.

September 29, 2011

Dear Lin,

I hope the love and caring of your friends and family help you through this difficult time.

My deepest condolences,
Pam Ewig

Barbara Haig

September 29, 2011

I had the privilege of working with Dwight on the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library board for the past few years. His knowledge, insight, sense of humor and wisdom helped bring our group to a new level of service. We will tremendously miss him.

September 28, 2011

Dear Ellis Family,

We extend our genuine sympathy on the death of your loved one. Our hope is that time will help ease the sorrow of your recent loss and bring you peace.

Sincerely,
The Aurora Health Care Foundation

Diane Maguire

September 28, 2011

Lin,
We were referred to Dwight by WHD 6 years ago for estate planning. It was a great pleasure for us to come to know Dwight and have him serve on our company's Board of Directors this past year. We will truly miss his smile, his wit and his knowledge. We have all suffered a great loss.
With deepest sympathy to you and Dwight's family.
Diane & Frank Maguire

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