Dennis Ellis

Dennis “Mike” Ellis passed away peacefully at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his wife, daughter, sister-in-law, and his beloved dog, Bear.

Born on July 21, 1949, in Granite City, Illinois, Mike moved to Troy when he was eight years old. He graduated from Triad High School in 1967. On April 20, 1968, he married the love of his life, Kathy (Wasylak) Ellis, at the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granite City. Together, they shared 57 years of devoted marriage.

In 1969, Mike was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and was later stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, specializing in artillery. He proudly served 18 months in Germany and received an Honorable Discharge in 1971.

Mike was gifted with a remarkable ability to fix nearly anything. His family often relied on him for household projects, and he lived by the motto, “Do it right or don’t do it at all.” He worked at Great Lakes Carbon for nine years before its closure and then spent more than 25 years with Carlisle Syntec, his skills as an electrician were highly valued. After retiring, he continued to give back to his community by delivering for Family Pharmacy in Highland.

A dedicated and great father and grandfather, Mike cherished coaching his son’s baseball team and supporting Boy Scouts. His greatest passion was the lakehouse he built in Shell Knob, Missouri—a place he treasured and enjoyed with family and friends, especially on weekends spent boating. He also loved restoring his 1969 Mustang, a project he tackled with his trademark perseverance and pride. Mike and Kathy shared many adventures as snowbirds in Florida for eight years, living in their RV and enjoying every day. Their travels took them across the United States, creating countless memories together.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy, and his beloved Bear; two children, Michael Ellis of Pocahontas and Angela (Joel) Bladdick of Granite City; two grandchildren, Nathan and Sydney Ellis of Carlisle; two great-grandchildren, Presley Ellis and Aaron Michael Ellis of Carlisle; his mother, Eva McQueen of Caseyville; his brother, Larry Ellis; and two sisters, Connie (Steve) Liter of Edwardsville and Tammy (Kevin) Bonhom of Collinsville. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Coulter of Glen Carbon and Charleen (Jeff) Coulter of St. Michael, Minnesota, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Ellis (1977); an infant brother, Dwaine; his father- and mother-in-law, Charles and Lorraine Wasylak; and a brother-in-law, Mack Coulter.

In celebration of his life, a visitation will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1411 Main Street in Highland, from 9:30 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Father Pat G. Jakel. Interment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland will take place at a later date.

Masses or memorial contributions may be made to the Metro East Humane Society.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home