Denis F. Ellis

Denis F. Ellis, C.E.C, A.A.C, 90, of Fort Wayne, Ind., received his invitation to the eternal banquet on July 5, 2024. He was born in Liverpool, England on January 18, 1934 to the late Frederick and Mary (née Gorman) Ellis. His culinary career spanned over 55 years, beginning by serving his apprenticeship on board Elder Dempster merchant vessels, making a dozen voyages to West Africa. Later, as a journeyman cook and then sous chef with the Canadian Pacific, he sailed on two of their luxury liners – the Empress of Scotland and Empress of England - from Liverpool to Canada, New York, the West Indies, and beyond. In total, Chef Ellis spent nearly a decade at sea before settling, briefly, in Winnipeg, Canada. It was there that Denis met his future wife, Marliese, who was also in the hospitality business and had, like he, left her native home in Germany for a life in America. Together they moved to Boston, were married, and started a family. Denis went on to work in some of the finest hotels in the United States and the Bahamas. It was 1987 when he arrived at the University of Notre Dame in the capacity of Executive Chef where he worked until his retirement in 2004. During his time at Notre Dame, Denis created and chaired the Culinary Apprenticeship program; a first in the history of the State of Indiana, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation of which he was an active member of the ACF from 1967 until his passing.

Denis is survived his sons, Noel (Beth) Ellis of Cypress, Calif. and Stephen (Lana) of Wasilla, Alaska; grandsons, Sean Ellis and Benjamin Ellis; and sister, Marguerita Cornes of Queens Park, Chester, England. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Maria Elisabeth Kunz, fondly known as Marliese.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am, Saturday, July 13, 2024 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior. Friends and family will be received from 4 - 7 pm, Friday, July 12, 2024 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Ellis family.