Michael Charles Ellis, 63, of Minot passed away peacefully in his home on July 1, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Michael was born August 26, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the oldest son of Veloy Charlene Larson and Gordon Manful Ellis.

Michael was raised and educated in Layton and Kaysville, Utah. After High School, Michael attended college in Utah and California where he studied welding, electrical engineering and mechanics. In 1966, Michael enlisted with the United States Army and honorably served his country in Vietnam and at Fort Huachuca, AZ. After receiving his honorable discharge, he became active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served diligently in many facets of the Church.

In November 1970, Michael married Barbara Jean Woods, and together they had 9 children. They lived in the Salt Lake City area where Michael was employed at Husky Oil, Ball Manufacturing, and Utah Power & Light. In 1981, he moved his family to Antler, ND, to homestead in attempts to save the local school. He then established his welding business, M C Ellis & Sons. From 1983 to 1993, Michael was employed with Rivet Mile at Minot AFB. He was recognized for his many years of service and dedication to safety. Michael retired from Rivet Mile following an electrical accident in 1993. He moved his family to Minot, where he continued to devote his time to his family and his welding business. Michael and Barbara divorced.

Later Michael married Katherine June Nelson on February 29, 2008. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Bismarck, North Dakota Temple on February 12, 2011.

Michael\'s first passion, in addition to his family, was building and creating anything. Michael also loved camping, fishing, motorcycling, and spending a peaceful evening with those he was closest too.

Michael is survived by his wife, Katherine, his children: Michael Y. Ellis, Minot; Barbara C (Chris) Nero, East Grand Forks, MN; Howard C. (Jackie) Ellis, Littleton, CO; Catherine N. (Ben) Ely, Glendale, AZ; Richard Z. Ellis, Minot; Judith A. (Eric) Talcott, Omaha, NE; Elizabeth S. (Whitney) Adams, Buxton, ND; Francis B. Ellis, Deering, ND; Sandra K. Washburn, Omaha, NE; Timothy J. (Stephanie) Nelson, Deering, ND; and Brandon J. (Stacy) Nelson, Grenora, ND; and special friend, Jon "Quincy" Blanchard, IN; and 28 grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters Elizabeth Swearingen, Kathleen Nutter, Carrie Lu (Craig) Bon, Erin (Steve) Curtis, Emily Ann (Travis) Thompson, brothers Curtis (Jeri) Schryver, Glen (Kim) Schryver, William (Michelle) Schryver.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, his brother Gordon (Butch), and his granddaughter Kristen.

Funeral Service : 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens of Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.