John Roe Ellingson

John Roe Ellingson Resident of the Town of New Hope, passed away April 14, 2015. He was 90 years old. Born July 26, 1924 to Maurice and Myrtle Ellingson from New Hope. John attended local schools, Peru Rural School, Rosholt High School and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He graduate with a degree in Dairy Science in 1950. He was a WWII veteran. He served on the USS Block Island: a small flat top air plane carrier. This was the first air craft carrier sunk in WWII by German U-Boats in early 1943. John survived 6 hours in the Atlantic Ocean before being rescued. He was discharged in 1946, finishing his service the Pacific theatre of war. John spent 32 years working for Kraft Foods retiring as an Executive and a Cheese Master. He worked in Chicago, Indiana, South America and Wisconsin. He was internationally recognized as an authority on cheese grading for taste, quality, and appearance. John is survived by one brother: Robert and Sister in law: Beverly, 9 nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were parents Maurice and Myrtle, twin sister Mary E. Olson, (Russell) brothers Richard (Marilyn) and Sidney. John lived in Green Bay for twenty years and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. John also was an active outdoors person. He enjoyed gardening, flowers, fishing and golf. He spent several months each winter in Florida with dear family friends until his health curtailed travel. John was a lifelong member of North New Hope Lutheran church. He was baptized and confirmed there. He served as a council president. He was a Master of ceremonies for the 100th and 125th church anniversary celebrations. His church support has been unwavering throughout his entire life. He will be interned at the New Hope Cemetery. John will be missed by all who were acquainted with him. His cheerful attitude, generosity, and acts of kindness will be remembered and live on; or a donation to a charitable organization of your choice. Funeral Services to be held at North New Hope Lutheran Church in Amherst, Junction, WI. On Saturday April 25th, 2015. 10:00 Visitation. 11:00 Service and Dinner to follow the service.