Ernest D Ellis (Ernie) passed away today, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his Wife Pam and his many children and grandchildren. Mike Ellis of Blair, Scott (Deb Ellis) of Blair, Rob Ellis of Arlington, Sherri (David Gautreau) of Omaha And Tammi (Justin Lawrence) of Omaha. Grandchildren include Rick Hull (Julie), Tember Werth (Tanner), Craig Ellis, Allison Ellis, Audrey Gautreau, Austin Gautreau, Emma Gautreau, Evelyn Lawrence, Emmett Lawrence, and Elliott Lawrence. Great grandchildren include Brayden, Riley and Grayson.

Ernest David Ellis was born in Providence, Rhode Island to Cecile and Ernest J Ellis in August of 1944. He had 2 sisters, Judy and Beatrice, and 1 brother Charles. At a young age he joined the Air Force where he was stationed in Omaha, NE. He took interest in mechanical duties but due to an unforeseen medical illness he was discharged. He made a miraculous recovery and Shortly thereafter he married Pamela Leuer of Mallard, Iowa and the couple raised 2 boys in Rhode Island, Mike and Scott. A career change led the family to Omaha for a job in mechanics and 3 more children: Robert, Sherri (Gautreau) and Tammi (Lawrence).

Ernie eventually opened his own business in foreign car repair, specializing in Volkswagen (Ernie’s Repair Shop) after moving to Blair in 1972. He ran a successful business until a medical issue would encourage an early retirement in 2001. A move to Omaha in 2005 with his wife, to be closer to grandchildren, would be where he would finish out his last years until his death in 2020.

Ernie loved to make others laugh, as well as talk endlessly with his customers and neighbors. He loved cars, especially Volkswagens, and especially loved talking about fixing them. And who could forget his Rhode Island accent. He was very well known throughout the town of Blair and beyond. Little did people know that he was plagued with many rare diseases throughout his life. But he never let that get in the way of his success, both personally and professionally. He was a strong, hard worker that left an impression with every person and child he encountered. So much so that after moving into the nursing home he loved to play Santa Claus for the visiting families.

You will be missed, Papa. May you forever have Volkswagens, coffee with cream, and brownies with frosting an inch thick in heaven.

ln lieu of flowers the family would ask for donations to Alzheimer’s Association or American Diabetes Association be made in his name.