March 8, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Alina S. Ellis, 38, of West Bend, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017, the same day her father, Herbert Ellis passed away.
Alina was born on June 8, 1978 in Hartford to Herbert and Maxine (nee Armstrong) Ellis. Alina grew up in Allenton, playing with countless pets and baby dolls. She grew a passion for children and wildlife. Alina graduated from Slinger High School in 1996 and then attended UW-Milwaukee for Social Work.
Alina began her child care career at Curative on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus. From there she became a personal nanny for many families in the area. In 2013, she opened an in-home nanny care business in West Bend, The Hoot House.
You could find the Hoot Nanny and her owlets exploring the library, Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA), Riveredge Nature Center and many local businesses and parks in Washington County and southeast Wisconsin. She taught children about nature, exploring, animals, creativity, love and compassion.
Alina began “Owls for Owies” which delivered stuffed owls to children at a local hospital. Alina’s sister, Carine Krull, plans to continue this program and grow Alina’s legacy and you are invited to bring a Beanie Boo owl to donate at the memorial service.
Alina also loved all animals, especially her beloved Pomeranian, Punkin.
Those Alina leaves to cherish her memory include her mother, Maxine Ellis; sister, Carine (Jim) Krull; three uncles, Ronald Ellis, Lawrence Ellis, and Charles Armstrong; two aunts, Patricia Ellis and Robin Manter-Ellis; cousins, Laura Cotting, Andrew Ellis, Elisabeth Ellis, Daniel Ellis, Thomas Ellis, Timothy Ellis, Steven Ellis, Shelley Journey, Sherry Ketcham, Chuck Armstrong, Kristy Livingston, and Kelly Boehmke; other relatives, friends, and the countless children that she cared for over the years.
In addition to her father, Alina was preceded in death by her grandparents; two aunts, Shirley Ellis and Karen Armstrong; and uncle, Thomas Armstrong; and two cousins, Randall Ellis and Thomas Ellis.
A memorial service in honor of Alina and Herb will be held on Saturday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 501 Walnut St., West Bend. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Herb and Alina Ellis Memorial Fund would be appreciated. The funds will be used for the benefit of the West Bend Library, Immanuel United Church of Christ, Riveredge Nature Center, Next Door Foundation, and Owls for Owies.
A special thank you is expressed to the Allenton Rescue team, St. Joseph’s Hospital – West Bend, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, the Wisconsin Donor Network, the countless children that lit up Alina’s life, and family and friends for the tremendous support in this difficult time.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Alina and Herb’s arrangements.
Herbert J. Ellis, 79, of Allenton, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017, the same day his daughter, Alina Ellis, passed away.
Herb was born on June 8, 1937 in Milwaukee to the late Virgil and Rose (nee Otemann) Ellis. He grew up on a farm in Allenton and attended Slinger High School where he played football, basketball and was Prom King. Herb attended UW-Whitewater where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and later his Master’s Degree. He served in the U.S. Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant in Panama for six years. Herb was united in marriage to Maxine Armstrong on June 15, 1974 in Kansas City, MO.
Herb started his teaching career in Chippewa Falls and then taught English at Hartford Union High School for 30 years and passionately coached the forensics team.
After retirement, Herb then joined Lakeland College as an adjunct professor for a few years.
Herb loved all things literary and was often known as “Mr. Shakespeare.” You could find him at the West Bend Library at least once a week. Since 2011, Herb has served as literary editor for a fantasy trilogy published by Wipf & Stock Publishers.
Herb loved to spend time with his daughters and grandchildren camping, exploring, laughing and playing. Herb was considered “Hoot Grandpa” for his daughter, Alina’s Hoot House. He would use his acting skills to become themed characters such as a leprechaun or groundhog running from his shadow.
Herb was an active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Hartford and then Immanuel United Church of Christ in West Bend.
Those Herb leaves to cherish his memory include his wife, Maxine; daughter, Carine (Jim) Krull; grandchildren Kimmy Jo Krull and Benny Krull; two brothers, Ronald Ellis and Lawrence Ellis; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Ellis and Robin Manter-Ellis; a brother-in-law, Charles Armstrong; six nieces, Laura Cotting, Elisabeth Ellis, Shelley Journey, Sherry Ketcham, Kristy Livingston, and Kelly Boehmke; five nephews, Andrew Ellis, Daniel Ellis, Timothy Ellis, Steven Ellis, and Chuck Armstrong; many grand-nieces and grand-nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and daughter, Alina, Herb was preceded in death by two sisters-in-law, Shirley Ellis and Karen Armstrong; a brother-in-law, Thomas Armstrong; and two nephews, Randall Ellis and Thomas Ellis.
A memorial service in honor of Herb and Alina will be held on Saturday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 501 Walnut St., West Bend. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Herb and Alina Ellis Memorial Fund would be appreciated. The funds will be used for the benefit of the West Bend Library, Immanuel United Church of Christ, Riveredge Nature Center, Next Door Foundation, and Owls for Owies.
A special thank you is expressed to the Allenton Rescue team, Aurora Hartford Medical Center, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, and family and friends for the tremendous support in difficult time.