William "Bill" J. Ellis

William "Bill" J. Ellis, 70, of Harpers Ferry, IA died on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA from a probable heart attack. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 19th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Spillway Supper Club in Harpers Ferry. A gathering will also be held on Thursday, December 17th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dugan's Restaurant in Floyd, IA. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements.

William John Ellis was born on August 7th, 1945 in Charles City, Iowa, the son of Alice (Draeger) and Ansel Ellis. He graduated from Charles City High School in 1963. He served in the United State Navy from 1965-1971 as Petty Officer 2nd class including service in the Vietnam War. After honorable discharge, he returned to farming near Floyd, IA until 1984 when he moved to Harpers Ferry to start The End of the Line marina and bait shop. He later switched to construction, which he never really retired from although he said he did.

He was a legend for his fishing and for his fish frying. He loved hunting, meeting friends for coffee, gardening and helping his neighbors and friends with their projects. He loved his town, its people and the Mississippi River.

Survivors include his children Tami (Bill) Vetter of Charles City, IA, Travis Ellis of Blue Springs, MO, daughter Elissa (Darrell) Keiser of Grandview, MO, and daughter Dr. Jessica Ellis of Eugene, OR; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild and siblings Rodney (Ruthanne) Ellis of Charles City, Phyllis Foxen of Charles City, IA, and Beverly (Jerome) Foxen of Charles City, IA. He is preceded in death by his wife, Andrea "Toots" Ellis, his brother Leland Ellis of Rudd, IA, and his parents.

In lieu of gifts, please donate to the Harpers Ferry Volunteer Fire Department and/or the Harpers Ferry American Legion Post 722 in his memory. He was active in volunteering for both of these organizations in any way he could.