Eldred "Ellie" L. Johnson, age 82, of West Bend, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at the Kathy Hospice in the Town of Polk.
He was born on October 13, 1924, in Green Bay, to the late Chester and Louise (nee VanderWegen) Johnson. Ellie graduated from West Green Bay High School in 1943. Following his high school graduation, Ellie enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and served two years in the Pacific Theater during WWII as a maintenance technician. Ellie was united in marriage to Billie Anderson on May 10, 1947 at St. Patrick's Church in Green Bay. She preceded him in death on June 2, 2000. Ellie was employed as a district sales manager for Metropolitan Life until his retirement. During his retirement, Ellie kept himself busy by working part time in security for Regal Ware in Kewaskum and later for the Paradise Mall in West Bend. He also did the bookkeeping at Pruett's Floor Coving. He loved riding his motorcycle, but his true passion was for bowling. He served as president and treasurer of several bowling leagues at Wieland's over the years. Ellie's faith was important to him, it was there that he found comfort following the death of his wife Billie. Ellie was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend.
Ellie is survived by his four loving children, Gregg (Jan) Johnson of Granger, IN, Erin (John) Voss of Ashburn, VA, Jeff (Kendra) Johnson of Sheboygan, and Kevin (Carrie) Johnson of Germantown; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, Ralph Johnson of Albuquerque, NM; a sister, Erin Peterson of Green Bay; and a sister-in-law Virginia Barden of Madison.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and his brother, Doug Johnson.
Visitation with the family will be at Holy Angels Catholic Church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 17, at 12:00 pm at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend. Father Jerry Brittain will be the Celebrant.