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Michael Ells Obituary
Big Rapids, Michigan
September 24, 1942 - February 4, 2024
Michael DeWane Ells passed away February 4, 2024, in Big Rapids, MI, surrounded by his family.
Mike, and his identical twin brother, David, were born September 24, 1942, to Nadia and David Ells, in Portland, OR. After graduating high school in Grants Pass, Oregon, Mike attended Oregon State University. In 1965, he married Carol Crose in Richland, WA. Mike graduated with a degree in Public Health from Washington State University. He began his public health career in Aberdeen, WA before moving to Hawaii, where Mike attended The University of Hawaii earning his MPH. He also completed a post graduate fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Mike and Carol raised their three children in Big Rapids, MI. During that time, Mike was devoted to academics as a Professor of Environmental Health at Ferris State University for 34 years. He also gladly gave of his time as a community volunteer, serving on the Governing board of Mecosta County General Hospital and as an Assistant Scoutmaster to Boy Scout Troop 114.
Surviving Mike is his loving wife of 58 years, Carol Crose Ells and his children, Jeffrey (Kelly) Ells of Cedar Springs, MI, Aaron (Sarah) Ells of Flagstaff, AZ and Kimberly (Steve) Newman of Haslett, MI.; his grandchildren, Jackson and Grace Ells (Aaron), Rachael and Connor Ells (Jeffrey), and Asher and Greyson Newman (Kimberly); and his identical twin brother David (Lynne) Ells of Centennial, CO. He was preceded in death by Nadia and David Ells and Frances and Harry Crose.
Mike was loved greatly by his family. His warmth, humor, memory and life will forever be celebrated by those who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information on Mike's life and legacy, please visit mohnkefuneralhome.com and Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ells
4 Entries
The Richners
February 15, 2024
Prayers for the family of a wonderful man who was dedicated to family and community.
Shirley Hamelund
February 12, 2024
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mike Ells. My son Craig Hamelund knew him from Ferris. Craig lives in Portland Or so he visited with Mike while there. I also worked with Kim at the Pet Hospital in Big Rapids. I will pass this information on to Craig. I know he thought so much of Mike. My prayers are with your family. Shirley Hamelund.
Regina Young
February 10, 2024
I am so grateful for Professor Ells. He recruited me into Ferris State's Environmental Health program through stories of visioning and purpose. He mentored so many students, supported and attended our extra curriculum activities and maintained connections to his students over decades of time. I looked up to him. He made a difference in the direction of my life. Had I not met Mike, would I have found environmental public health? Because of his leadership of the Ferris EH program and his effective teaching methods, I developed the foundation of a wonderful career. Thank you Mr. Ells.
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Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home128 S Warren Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307-1844
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