William 'Bill' Russo

WILLIAM "BILL" J. ELLIS

Harpers Ferry

William "Bill" J. Ellis, 70, of Harpers Ferry, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon from a probable heart attack. A celebration of his life will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at Spillway Supper Club in Harpers Ferry. A gathering will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Dugan's Restaurant in Floyd. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements.

William John Ellis was born Aug. 7, 1945, in Charles City, Iowa, the son of Alice (Draeger) and Ansel Ellis. He graduated from Charles City High School in 1963. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1971 as petty officer 2nd class including service in the Vietnam War. After honorable discharge, he returned to farming near Floyd, until 1984 when he moved to Harpers Ferry to start the End of the Line marina and bait shop. He later switched to construction, which he never really retired from although he said he did.

He was a legend for his fishing and for his fish frying. He loved hunting, meeting friends for coffee, gardening and helping his neighbors and friends with their projects. He loved his town, its people and the Mississippi River.

Survivors include his children, Tami (Bill) Vetter of Charles City, Travis Ellis of Blue Springs, Mo., Elissa (Darrell) Keiser of Grandview, Mo., and Dr. Jessica Ellis of Eugene, Ore.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and siblings, Rodney (Ruthanne) Ellis, Phyllis Foxen and Beverly (Jerome) Foxen, all of Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Andrea "Toots" Ellis; his brother, Leland Ellis of Rudd; and his parents.

In lieu of gifts, please donate to the Harpers Ferry Volunteer Fire Department and/or the Harpers Ferry American Legion Post 722 in his memory. He was active in volunteering for both of these organizations in any way he could.

Online condolences may be left at www.martin

funerals.com.