John C. Ellis

John Charles Ellis, a Vietnam-era veteran and longtime resident of Frankfort, IL, and a man whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to "Always do the right thing," passed away peacefully, while surrounded by family, on August 13th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and love. His faith-driven life was a model of dedication to his family, his country, and the communities he served both near and far. 

John was born on October 30th, 1937, to Charles and Dolores Ellis in Chicago, IL. John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret, where he exemplified courage, leadership, and a deep sense of duty. Additionally, John was a plank member of the U.S. Homeland Security department and a dedicated leader in the Auxiliary Coast Guard post 9/11, where he continued to exemplify his love of country and commitment to the safety and well-being of others. His military service laid the foundation for a life dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. 

After serving the country in the Special Forces, John went on to earn an Industrial Technology degree from Chicago State University and a master’s in public administration from Illinois Institute of Technology. He applied these learnings and had an illustrious career with the City of Chicago, where his expertise in waste-to-energy best practices led him to work on critical projects both nationally and internationally. His work in this field was groundbreaking, helping to shape more sustainable and efficient methods for managing waste and generating energy around the world. John earned recognition from the late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley and received the Harrisburg, PA “key to the city” from the late Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed for his work on improving their incinerator technology. Near the end of his career, John consulted for ten years with Commercial Testing & Engineering, a member of Société Générale de Surveillance, and worked internationally with clients including the World Bank. Additionally, John was a teacher in life and at universities including University of Wisconsin, University of Chicago, and Washburne Trade School. 

John was a beloved husband to Carole Padgett Ellis, with whom he shared twenty-six wonderful years of marriage. They were avid boaters, travelers and made many dear friends in Arizona, Illinois and across the country. John was a proud father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

John is survived by his wife Carole, his children: John (Karen) Ellis, Eileen A. Ellis, Tom (Leah) Ellis, Elizabeth (Brad) Simek, Annemarie (Greg) Reiser, Michael Ellis, his stepchildren: Kim Sterne, Douglas (Lora) Padgett, and the late Cindy (Bill) O’Keefe, his grandchildren: Kevin Sterne, Elizabeth Sterne, Kathleen O’Keefe, Andrew O’Keefe, Tara (Cameron) Guerrero, Melanie (Ryan) Boal, Kate Ellis, Ciara Ellis, Kelli Ellis, John Ellis, Ella Reiser, Jack Reiser, Graham Reiser, Audrey Reiser, Maya Ellis, Hannah Ellis, Krista Benni-Ellis, Bennett Simek and his great-grandchildren: Tommy Boal, Linny Boal and Colton Guerrero. John is also survived by his former spouse Anne Marie Ellis and many nieces and nephews. 

John is preceded in death by his brother, Thomas E. Ellis and his parents Charles E. Ellis and Dolores J. Ellis (nee Kelley), each of whom he missed dearly. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life. 

John's legacy is one of service, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to doing what is right. His impact on his family, his community, and the world will be felt for generations to come. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for the kindness, integrity, and love that he shared with all who knew him. A well-known secret was that you could always get on John’s good side with some warm chocolate chip cookies.

John’s family has organized services to honor John’s life and military service. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 16th from 4:00 pm CT – 8:00 pm CT at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL. A funeral service will be held at Parkview Christian Church, 11100 Orland Parkway, Orland Park, IL on Saturday, August 17th at 9:30 am CT followed by a military honors graveside ceremony at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at 21495 S. Elsner Road, Frankfort, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Lightways Hospice House in Joliet, IL, or Hillsdale College would be appreciated.