Myron J Ellis

Mike was born on November 30, 1930, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Homer Francis and Luella (Calvert) Ellis. He grew up in Eyota, Minnesota alongside his brother and two sisters, and graduated from Eyota High School in 1948. At 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for four years as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Valley Forge (CVA-45). His lifelong love for the Green Bay Packers began during that time, when their games were the only ones that could be picked up on the ship’s radio. After his military service, Mike began a career with Illinois Bell Telephone Company, where he worked for over 40 years.

On October 10, 1959, Mike married Gloria Mae Fritz in Plymouth, Wisconsin. For 67 years, and right up to their final moments together, their love was unmistakable. Mike was many things to many people: a son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and a friend. To anyone he met, he was funny, quick-witted, full of personality, and always ready to tell a joke or a story. Mike was well-known for his loyalty to the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, and, of course, the Green Bay Packers. That loyalty is carried forward in the traditions and memories he has passed down to his children and grandchildren. Whether you spent a lifetime by his side or only crossed his path for a moment, chances are he left you with a smile, a laugh, or a story you won’t forget.

Mike is survived by his wife, Gloria; their three children, Stephen, Lori (Roger) Carpenter, and Deborah (Emilio) Perez; grandchildren Heather (Erik) Schaefer, Scott (Emily), Nicholas Perez, David Perez, Hannah (Zachary) Blumberg, and Tyler Carpenter; great-granddaughter Shay, and several nieces and nephews.

He is now reunited with his parents, and siblings Frances (Carl) Finger, Maxine Faye (Merle) Kessel, and Mervin (Gretchen).

In Mike’s honor, never pass up the chance to share a joke with someone you love, sing or whistle a tune just because you can, and, when the moment calls for it, cheer a little louder: “Go, Pack, Go!”

Mike’s legacy can be found in the people he loved, the laughter he shared, and the countless little pieces of him that will continue to show up in the lives of those who knew him.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Judi D’Angelo and JourneyCare for the compassion and care they provided, helping make Mike’s final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

Visitation will be held at Lord of Glory Lutheran Church, 607 W. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, Illinois, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. with a service to follow at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a contribution to Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Mike’s memory.