Clarence L. “Junior” Ellis, 71, of 1207 Division Street, Marquette, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 1, 2006, at his home, in the company of his Savior and joining his wife and daughter in eternity. Clarence was born November 15, 1934, in Ishpeming, to Clarence and Helen (Swenor) Ellis and was raised in the Ishpeming area. Following High School Clarence enlisted in the Army National Guard on January 27, 1953 and served until December 15, 1953.  He re-enlisted into the Army on July 9, 1957 and served until being discharged on June 15, 1959 from active duty. While enlisted, Clarence was stationed in Germany along with stateside, receiving a medal for good conduct and a sharpshooter medal. On October 17, 1959 Clarence married Eleanor Pydynkowsky in St. Peter Cathedral and set about establishing their home and raising a family. He finished his service to his country on January 25, 1961 when he was discharged from the Army National Guard. Clarence was employed as a route salesman for Cohodas Brothers, Dick Brothers, and Bunny Bread Bakery, retiring in 1996.  Following retirement he went back to work for nine more years at Econo Foods grocery store,  before  retiring again on March 31, 2005.

Clarence was a member of St. Peter Cathedral, American Legion Post #44 and the Teamsters Union.  In his leisure, Clarence enjoyed bowling in the Wednesday and Friday bowling leagues, playing cribbage in the Wednesday afternoon league, and was an avid outdoorsman. Clarence will be remembered most for his ability to jokingly harass family and friends.

Clarence is survived by two daughters, Cynthia (Dean) Ogle, of Marquette, Kristine Ellis, of Wilson, MI; one son, Charles Ellis, of Marquette; his grandchildren, Brandon (Krissy), Shanna, and Drew Ogle, Chelsea, Jesse, and Jadin Goodreau-Ellis, Charles, Sherice, and Andrew Joseph Tryon Jr; great-grandchildren, Bradley Shaver and Keylee Marie Ogle; son-in-law, Joseph Tryon; five sisters, Shirley (Robert)Higgins, Barbara (Norman) Koval, Nancy (Ronald) Randall, Bonnie (Dave) Sieffert, Chris (Carl) Green; a brother, Dale (Linda) Ellis; one aunt, Lorraine (Clyde) Slater; and numerous nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor in 2004, his daughter, Katherine Tryon in 1999, and his parents. Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 5, beginning at 4:00 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm Wednesday evening with Rev. Frank Lenz officiating.  Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.