Orville “Bruce” Ellis

Orville “Bruce” Ellis

Anamosa

Orville “Bruce” Ellis, 80, of Anamosa, Iowa, departed to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and entered His heavenly home Saturday, June 18, 2022. He was born Nov. 22, 1941, in Moselle, Mo., the son of Edward Conadora Ellis and Ruth Mae Storms.

Bruce attended St. Louis schools until entering the Navy in 1958. He married Diane Louise Conley on Oct. 10, 1964. His military service included the Vietnam War, Cuban Bay of Pigs and served aboard the USS NOA that recovered the Friendship 7 of the NASA Mercury Program and Astronaut John Glenn on Feb 20, 1962. His time in the Navy included operations on other ships and destroyers that traveled around the world. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and later joined the reserves in 1982 as a Petty Officer 1st Class Signalman until 1994. He worked at the Iowa State Penitentiary as a correctional officer until retiring from the Iowa State Industries in 2004. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a kind and generous man who never hesitated to help someone in need and held a passionate love for his country. Interests included all things military, restoration of antique cars and street rods.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Edward (Bo), Benjamin (Benny) and Alice (Pat). He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 58 years, Diane; his brother, Robert (Shelly); nephew, Kurt; his children, Michael (Vicky), Tina, and Jennifer Yerges (Mark); and his grandchildren, Christopher, Megan, Tony, Ryan and Jason.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in his memory at a later time as to be determined by the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at iowacremation.com under obituaries.