William B. Ellener's Obituary
William was born in Sylvis, Illinois June 11, 1916 and he passed away in Tacoma, June 22, 2010. He moved from Illinois to Childress, Texas then onto Tacoma. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1934 where his interest in printing began and at the age of 18 he took a job with Weyerhaeuser Timber Company in the print shop.On June 9, 1939, he married his best friend, Ellen Athow in Tacoma. He was drafted into the Navy in 1944 where he served as a Yeoman. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1945, he returned to work for Weyerhaeuser where he managed the print shop and was a purchasing manager until he retired in 1970. He was a loyal, dedicated business man who exemplified integrity and hard work. Bill and Ellen enjoyed many years socializing and dancing with their friends in the Mr. and Mrs. Dance club. They were also members of the Tacoma Yacht Club, Elks, and the "Tuesday Night" dinner group. After Bill's retirement they became "Snow BIrds" and spent 27 wonderful years wintering in Mesa, Arizona. Bill was also an amazing grandpa who taught his grandchildren a vast number of helpful skills and life lessons. They all enjoyed the many trailer trips with him and grandma which involved card games, stories, and "hikes." He had a great sense of humor, was very thoughtful, and helped whenver asked. In addition, he always loved a good project and was always tinkering with something. He was a self-taught clock repairman, mechanic, carpenter, and could fix nearly anything.
He is survived by his children, Linda Maule (Jerry) and Raymond Ellener (Mary), his grandchildren Dan McLaughlin (Anna), Ben McLaughlin (Renee), Cindy McLaughlin, Genny Hicky (Bob), Suzanne Paul, Brenda Aston (David), Kim Larned (Pete) and Alexa Ellener, and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in deathj by his wife Ellen of 66 years, daughter Peggy Goedert (John) and brother Robert Ellener.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Mt. View Funeral Home. In honor of Bill, donations can be made to the Franciscan Hospice at 2901 Bridgeport Way, Tacoma, Washington.
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