Ellis T. Tacke

Ellis Thomas Tacke, 90, Phoenix resident since 1930, passed from this life at his care home in Phoenix, on Jan. 29. Ellis was born to Alvin and Clara Tacke, on May 27 1920 in New Orleans, LA., and spent his first ten years in Tampa, FL. In 1930, he, his father, and brother Fred, moved to Phoenix, where he graduated from Monroe school in 1932. He worked in the family construction and farming business until 1941, then entered the US Army and served until 1946. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant, and was a liason pilot and battery mechanics instructor in the field artillery. He achieved the highest score ever recorded in his OCS class at Fort Sill OK. In 1946 he entered the construction industry, and was a superintendant for Mardian Construction. He earned his general contractors license in 1958, and completed over 120 commercial public works projects by his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the American Legion and the Moose Club. He also held a commercial pilots license. He married Martha Mary Melancon on Dec. 24, 1955, and was preceded in death by her and also by sons David and Timothy. He is survived by son Tom, and daughter Denise, grandchildren Adrianne and Bud, son in law Tim Ofstedahl, greatgrandchildren Talon, Aidan, and London. Services will be held at 2:30 pm, Tuesday Feb. 8, at Green Acres, 401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale.Arrangements under the direction of Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, Scottsdale, AZ.