Walter "Larry" Ellis Jr.

As family and friends will surely agree, Walter Ellis Jr. truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Larry more joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. His heart of service allowed him to impact the lives of countless others, and he accepted anyone and everyone with open arms and a warm smile. Deeply missed, Larry will be forever loved by those who knew him best.

The early 1950s were among some of the most influential years for the United States. Following the end of WWII, the country enjoyed a flourishing economy, and the baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time that Walter and Crystal (Jones) Ellis of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. On May 25, 1950, they welcomed their son, Walter Lawrence Jr., into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Larry was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on the West side of Grand Rapids alongside his three younger brothers, Rick, Randy, and Bob. The Ellis brothers were very close, and Larry was especially close to his father as well. Larry and his father would often go fishing and nightcrawler hunting. The Ellis family were not wealthy, but they enjoyed camping, and Christmas was always a special time of year. Growing up, Larry attended local schools, including Oakleigh Elementary School and Union High School. He ran track in high school, and he worked his first jobs at a car wash and at a local golf course. After graduating from Union High School, Larry pursued further education at United Electrical Institute in Kentucky.

Exciting changes were in store for Larry as, at the age of 16, he met the young woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Susan Mlynarchek, and the two were first introduced because Susan worked with Larry’s mother at Stoney Inn in Wyoming. They attended different schools, but they continued talking, and their relationship blossomed. Larry would take his track team running to her school so that he could visit Susan. After Larry graduated from high school and spent time in Kentucky, he returned home to begin his future with Susan. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Larry and Susan were married on October 9, 1970, at Holy Name Catholic Church. The newlyweds then enjoyed a weekend honeymoon to Niagara Falls.

Of all the things Larry loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Susan were overjoyed to bring their two daughters, Laurie and Kara, into their hearts and home. Larry thrived in his role as a father, and his daughters were his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved being greeted by the girls after work, and he would often take the girls on adventures on their three-wheelers. Larry was very involved in their lives, and he tried to be present at every game or activity. Later on, he was thrilled to become a grandfather to Jacob, Carter, Tyleigh, and Teegan. Larry adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. He was affectionately known as “Papa” by his grandchildren, and he would attend their events and activities as well. Larry always considered himself blessed to watch his family tree grow to include so many loved ones.

Larry was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. Over the years, he built a career for himself in the field of sales for electrical components and data systems. Larry worked for the Sound room in Grand Rapids and then in Kalamazoo, first doing sales and repairs. Throughout his entire career, he was goal-oriented and determined to succeed. Larry was an excellent salesman who truly cared about his customers, and his empathy enabled him to serve them and even build relationships with several of them.

Larry found great peace on the water and in the great outdoors. Boating was a favorite pastime for him and his family, and for a couple of weeks each summer, they would boat from harbor to harbor on Lake Michigan. Many weekends were spent in Grand Haven. The Ellis family also enjoyed family summer weekends at Canadian Lakes, and Lake Havasu was the backdrop for many priceless memories.

Never one to sit still for long, Larry pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He liked fixing things around the house, and he took meticulous care of his yard, garage, and cars. Larry and Susan were a social couple and enjoyed hanging out or having dinners with friends. He enjoyed playing racquetball and golf. Larry’s greatest passion was boating and spending time on the water, and he was known for the lingering smell of his Lagerfeld cologne.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Walter Ellis Jr., it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and he was always happiest when surrounded by family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Larry was a friend to many and beloved by all. His primary focus in life was building deep and personal relationships with those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Larry leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Walter Lawrence Ellis Jr, “Larry”, age 74 of Rockford, was called home to heaven on October 12, 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; their daughters and sons-in-law: Laurie & Shane Bissell, Kara & Pat Marsman; grandchildren Jacob and Carter Bissell, Tyleigh and Teegan Marsman; his brothers Rick & Gaylene Ellis, Randy & Brenda Ellis, Bob & Ellen Ellis; sisters-in-law Bernadette & Joe Maitner, Diane & Fred Keyes, Barbara & Bobby Holton, Elaine & John VanderBaan, Joanne Kisscorni, Clare & David Tripp; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ada where friends may meet with his family beginning at 10 AM. A celebration of life gathering will be held following the service on Saturday, from 2-4 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel where friends are welcome to share stories and enjoy refreshments as we remember Larry together. At 3:30 PM, there will be a brief time to publicly share your memories. To read more about Larry, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.