John E. "Jack" Ellis

1931 - 2022

Ellis, John E. "Jack"

MADISON - John E. "Jack" Ellis, age 90, passed away after an extended illness, on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at Prairie Gardens in Sun Prairie. He was born on April 9, 1931, in Madison, the son of Dr. Ivan G. and Hilda l. "Andy" Anderson Ellis.

As a youth, Jack attended Randall and Nakoma grade schools and graduated from Madison West High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Jack served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954 during the Korean War, completing his service as part of the post-World War II German Occupation Forces as an aide to the Commander of the 322nd Air Division, 12th Air Force, at Ramstein AFB, in Ramstein, Germany.

Jack married Donna (Jessop) Anthony on July 24, 1965. He retired from Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company where he was the company's state claims and loss manager from 1970-1987. During this time, he served on the Milwaukee Intercompany Arbitration and Wisconsin Special Arbitration committees for 15 years and the Milwaukee Claims Managers and Wisconsin Claims Managers councils for 17 years. He also worked for Wausau Insurance Company for six years following his retirement from Royal, handling claims matters for the Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund (WISF).

Jack was a long-time faithful supporter of University of Wisconsin athletics. One of his biggest highlights was his and Donna's trip to the 1994 Rose Bowl. He was also an avid Brewers and Packers fan, purchasing a share of Packers stock in 2011. He was a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and American Legion Post No. 0481.

Beginning in 1969, he was a devoted member, promotor, and often a recruiter of the International Association of Turtles, Inc. He was a long-time avid bowler in both the Madison and Waukesha bowling associations and had the distinct privilege and honor of bowling with and against some of the greats in both associations.

Jack is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Laurie Ann of Madison; stepson, Michael (Nancy) Anthony of Madison; stepdaughter, Peg (Peter) Reif of Platteville; two grandchildren, Justin (Melissa) Reif and Jennifer (Christopher) Hamilton, six great-grandchildren, Noah, Micah and Sariyah Reif and Bryson, Madison and Jordan Hamilton; and three step great-grandchildren, Anthony, Nyah and Jeremiah. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ann Marie Ellis-Ward; his wife's parents, Wayne and Ruth Jessop; and his sister-in-law and husband, Barb and Don Meisel.

At his request, cremation and entombment will follow later at Roselawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Monona, Wis. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Jack's name may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. A special thank you to Dr. Al Musa for keeping Jack/Dad around for this long.

Go Badgers, Packers, Brewers and Bucks! Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420