John Fredrick Ellis, 87, Upham, died Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in a Minot Hospital.

John was born June 21, 1930 at Stanley, North Dakota, the son of George and Gertrude (Markel) Ellis. He was raised and educated at Stanley and assisted area farmers during his younger years. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator for Mountrail County for 2 years and for Mountrail Electric Cooperative for 3 years.

John was once married to Doris Jarmin. He was employed with Amereta-Hess (Hess Corporation) as a driller in the Tioga area for more than 18 years. He purchased a bar in Garrison called J & D, which he sold in 1982. He later purchased the Rustic Inn Restaurant in Minot and sold that business in 1984.

John moved to Washington in 1984, where he was employed as a laminate installer in new construction homes until he retired in 2004 and moved to Minot. Due to the flood of 2011, he moved to Upham.

John was a member of the Lutheran Faith. He was a former member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Aerie and Elks Lodge, all of Minot. He enjoyed gardening, doing carpentry work and spending time with his grandchildren.

John's loving family includes , children: Linda Fretland, Tioga, ND; Larry Ellis, Velva, ND; Marshall Ellis, Fredricks, CO; Joanne (Matt) Kerzmann, Upham; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren 2 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Joyce Aho, Bullhead City, AZ and Shirley Ager, Columbia Falls, MT.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Delores and brothers, George, Lyle & Eugene; along with his longtime girlfriend, Margaret Beach.

Memorial service: Thursday September 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in New Hope Lutheran Church, Upham.
Interment: Fairview Cemetery, Stanley, ND.

Visitation: At his request, there will not be a reviewal, however friends may sign a memorial register book on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.