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Joseph Frederick Ell
01/16/1925 — 08/18/2002
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Aberdeen, South Dakota
Joseph Frederick Ell
Joe Ell passed away Sunday, August 18, 2002 in Kennewick. He was born on January 16, 1925 in Aberdeen, SD. His parents were Paul and Mary Ell.
He served in the US Navy during World War II on the LST 399 and witnessed the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima. He graduated at the Perry Trade Inst. in Yakima, WA and began his career at the Hanford site in 1948. He retired as a Nuclear Chemical Process operator from Rockwell in April 1987.
He married the love of his life, Jean Smith on September 18, 1946 at Christ the King church in Richland, WA. They would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this September.
He is survived by his wife, Jean from Kennewick, son Gary Ell Tammy of Richland, daughters Kathy Rau and Janet Doran of Bellingham, WA, daughter Judi Dahl Mike of Richland, son David of Kennewick, and daughter Linda Albertson Derik of Richland.
He leaves behind the joys of his life, his 7 grandchildren, Lori Reisenauer of Benton City, WA, Andie Newton of Richland, WA, Sarah Rau of Billings, MT, and Andrew Rau of Miles City, MT, Ryan and Eric Dahl of Richland, and Brandon Albertson of Richland. He also has 3 great
grandchildren, Anndrea, Johnny, and Miranda Reisenauer of Benton City, WA.
He also has a sister, Sarah Wipf of Rapid City , SD. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and one brother.
Joe was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 7952 of Richland, a member of Christ the King church and a life time member of the Knights of Columbus in Richland. His favorite pastimes were spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed taking his dog Leif for walks along to Columbia River and he collected many rocks. He enjoyed coin collecting and often gave coins to his grandkids. He always had a joke to tell and was liked by everyone who knew him. Joe was an avid Richland Bomber basketball fan. He enjoyed spending the first few years of retirement with old time Richland friends at the Spudnut Shop and at Denny's restaurant in Richland. After retirement he began a monthly retirement breakfast on the last Friday of the month at Denny's. He was
unable to attend these the last 3 years but was pleased to know that they were still continuing and sometimes as many as 50 friends would gather there and reminisce about the ''good old times''.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the love and care he received while he was at Callaway Gardens in Kennewick and also to Kennewick Life Care Center.
We are comforted in knowing that our Blessed Mother Mary was there to welcome Joe into the Kingdom of God, we will miss you dad and we love you very much.
Graveside services will be held at Sunset Memorial Garden Wednesday Aug. 21 at 1:00 for family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to VFW, 1369 GEORGE WASHINGTON WAY, Richland, WA, or the Knights of Columbus at 2500 Chester Rd., Richland, WA.
Desi, I know you will be there to welcome me into heaven, when that time comes. I remember the Christmas Parties at the Knights of Columbus, seeing a red raced Santa, who I swear looked like the REAL thing, come to the Abbot house and listen to our list of goodies we wanted. I remember you throwing a bunch of change into the grass, and we would all try and scramble to get as much as we could! I thank you for teaching me that slugs really do die, when emerged in salt!! I remember playing cards, and eating grandma’s great buttered popcorn. Ok, so maybe I didn’t play cards, but I made one HECK of a mess in the living room with all the pop corn, I think Linda and I both did! I remember the loser of the game would have to clean up the mess!! Ha, I knew it would probably be my mom, so I made a great big mess! I remember helping pack your lunch for your grave yard shift at Rockwell, sticking small notes under your sandwitch, of my love for you. I would watch you walk with your lunch pale, down the poarch and wait under the street light, for the small Government van to pick you and the other “Day Sleepers” up! I thank you for all of the stamps you collected for me, and the old letters you gave me. I remember our trip with grandma and Linda to Union Town, to see Kathy and Larry, when I was in first grade, and the tree that was struck by lightning! Then our trip to Butte,where we were all a family. I wish I could see Sarah and Andrew more I remember that you were at every single one of my birthday parties as a young kid, I remember the 70’s rust colored jacket you liked to wear! I loved the basement work shop, where you didn’t care what we nailed or glued together! I would try to get your attention from upstairs, so I could poor cold water down the tube, from David’s upstairs bedroom. I know you know what I am talking about! Your wife Lucy misses you, watch over her. The last time I saw you, you held my hand and you kissed it. You weren’t able to talk much, but you can believe I got your message. I hope to see you in my dreams, and you can tell me how wonderful and beautiful it is on the other side, in the presence of God. You are truly Free.
I love you, Lori
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. Joe and my dad, Norbert, were good friends at Callaway Gardens.
“In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
John 14:2-3
My dearest dad,
I miss you so. I love you so very much and I will always have you in my heart and prayers. You were the greatest man that ever lived. You touched everyone’s lives who knew you, especially mine. I know you are at peace and that the Angels held out their arms for you in heaven. I will never forget my wonderful childhood and the kindess and love you gave to our family, unconditionally. As Ryan and you would say, “We’re the Best in the West”,and as I say, “You were the Best in the entire universe”. May God Bless YOU always, I love you dad, Judi
To All the Ell Families,
We were so very sorry to hear about your loss of Joe. He was a wonderful man. If you need us for anything please call. We love you all very much.
All our love,
Don and Roxanne Jenkins
My wonderful father Joe Ell, You were such a good man dad. All I have in my 38 years on this earth, are wonderful memories of you. You were the most amazing father! You always had a smile and a laugh, and especially a joke. You would always say hello to anyone walking down the steet, wheather you knew them or not. You made my childhood very special. My memories are all happy because of you dad. I will miss you more than words can say. Iam proud of the man that you were dad. You were friends with everyone. Everyone knew Joe Ell. I love you dad, and will forever miss you!
your loving daughter Linda
Dear dad,We love you all the way.Kathy
What is a father? To me dad you were so strong and committed to going to work day after day,shift after shift,never complaining.You were so gentle and caring showing me how to take care of my brothers and sisters. You shared with me your love of the great outdoors. You were the one who showed me how to put my first worm on a hook. You helped me appreciate nature, a love I will always have. You taught me the value of telling the truth and showed me that having faith was a good thing. You also showed me that real men vacuum and do the dishes.For that I know mom really appreciated you.With your own hands you built the basement so your growing family could have more room. You helped me see that all people were special and you demonstrated your open and friendly ways as a positive role-model for me to follow. Your genuine joy for me in going through life and becoming the person I am today is a gift only a father can give his daughter.Thank you for all that you have given me. I’m so glad we had our last visits and reading you poetry was a such a pleasure. Be at peace dear dad and know that we are taking care of mom.We all miss you so.Your spirit is close and that comforts me. Love Kathy
I worked with Joe for over 20 years..He was very witty and a comfort to all..and he was blessed to have Jean..its was a pleasure to have known him..Rick….
Dear dad, today is father’s day. I miss you more than ever today. I can still hear your sweet voice and see your radiant smile. You touched my life in so many ways. I will be forever grateful for that. You were not only a wonderful and loving father and devoting husband to mom, you were truly a great man. I know that you are a Saint in Heaven and that you are again holding hands with mom. Always remember that my love for you will never fade. God Bless my sweet dad, I love and miss you so very much. Happy Father’s Day sweet Joey! Love, daughter Judi
Dear Dad,
Happy 82nd. birthday in Heaven! I know you are with Mom, Leif, and now Cassie. I love and miss you every day! God Bless you always.
Judi
dear dad happybirthday i know you are a real living person on the OTHERSIDE. i just wanted to say THANKYOU FOR BEING MY DAD TODAY TOMORROW AND FOREVER I BELIEVE IN GOD BECAUSE THAT WAS SO VERY REAL TO YOU SO IN TURN,IT BECAME SO REAL TO ME SO THANKYOU FOR THAT..Have fun today..but then its pure bliss where you and mom..now make your home..iloveyoudad..janetmarie
Dear Sweet Dad, today you would turn 83 here on earth. I do home mom baked you an Angel food cake with her famous sticky frosting! Your family misses you dearly but we know you are safe in God’s arms. I love you dad. Judi
Desi, I know you will be there to welcome me into heaven, when that time comes. I remember the Christmas Parties at the Knights of Columbus, seeing a red raced Santa, who I swear looked like the REAL thing, come to the Abbot house and listen to our list of goodies we wanted. I remember you throwing a bunch of change into the grass, and we would all try and scramble to get as much as we could! I thank you for teaching me that slugs really do die, when emerged in salt!! I remember playing cards, and eating grandma’s great buttered popcorn. Ok, so maybe I didn’t play cards, but I made one HECK of a mess in the living room with all the pop corn, I think Linda and I both did! I remember the loser of the game would have to clean up the mess!! Ha, I knew it would probably be my mom, so I made a great big mess! I remember helping pack your lunch for your grave yard shift at Rockwell, sticking small notes under your sandwitch, of my love for you. I would watch you walk with your lunch pale, down the poarch and wait under the street light, for the small Government van to pick you and the other “Day Sleepers” up! I thank you for all of the stamps you collected for me, and the old letters you gave me. I remember our trip with grandma and Linda to Union Town, to see Kathy and Larry, when I was in first grade, and the tree that was struck by lightning! Then our trip to Butte,where we were all a family. I wish I could see Sarah and Andrew more I remember that you were at every single one of my birthday parties as a young kid, I remember the 70’s rust colored jacket you liked to wear! I loved the basement work shop, where you didn’t care what we nailed or glued together! I would try to get your attention from upstairs, so I could poor cold water down the tube, from David’s upstairs bedroom. I know you know what I am talking about! Your wife Lucy misses you, watch over her. The last time I saw you, you held my hand and you kissed it. You weren’t able to talk much, but you can believe I got your message. I hope to see you in my dreams, and you can tell me how wonderful and beautiful it is on the other side, in the presence of God. You are truly Free.
I love you, Lori
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. Joe and my dad, Norbert, were good friends at Callaway Gardens.
“In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
John 14:2-3
My dearest dad,
I miss you so. I love you so very much and I will always have you in my heart and prayers. You were the greatest man that ever lived. You touched everyone’s lives who knew you, especially mine. I know you are at peace and that the Angels held out their arms for you in heaven. I will never forget my wonderful childhood and the kindess and love you gave to our family, unconditionally. As Ryan and you would say, “We’re the Best in the West”,and as I say, “You were the Best in the entire universe”. May God Bless YOU always, I love you dad, Judi
To All the Ell Families,
We were so very sorry to hear about your loss of Joe. He was a wonderful man. If you need us for anything please call. We love you all very much.
All our love,
Don and Roxanne Jenkins
My wonderful father Joe Ell, You were such a good man dad. All I have in my 38 years on this earth, are wonderful memories of you. You were the most amazing father! You always had a smile and a laugh, and especially a joke. You would always say hello to anyone walking down the steet, wheather you knew them or not. You made my childhood very special. My memories are all happy because of you dad. I will miss you more than words can say. Iam proud of the man that you were dad. You were friends with everyone. Everyone knew Joe Ell. I love you dad, and will forever miss you!
your loving daughter Linda
Dear dad,We love you all the way.Kathy
What is a father? To me dad you were so strong and committed to going to work day after day,shift after shift,never complaining.You were so gentle and caring showing me how to take care of my brothers and sisters. You shared with me your love of the great outdoors. You were the one who showed me how to put my first worm on a hook. You helped me appreciate nature, a love I will always have. You taught me the value of telling the truth and showed me that having faith was a good thing. You also showed me that real men vacuum and do the dishes.For that I know mom really appreciated you.With your own hands you built the basement so your growing family could have more room. You helped me see that all people were special and you demonstrated your open and friendly ways as a positive role-model for me to follow. Your genuine joy for me in going through life and becoming the person I am today is a gift only a father can give his daughter.Thank you for all that you have given me. I’m so glad we had our last visits and reading you poetry was a such a pleasure. Be at peace dear dad and know that we are taking care of mom.We all miss you so.Your spirit is close and that comforts me. Love Kathy
I worked with Joe for over 20 years..He was very witty and a comfort to all..and he was blessed to have Jean..its was a pleasure to have known him..Rick….
Dear dad, today is father’s day. I miss you more than ever today. I can still hear your sweet voice and see your radiant smile. You touched my life in so many ways. I will be forever grateful for that. You were not only a wonderful and loving father and devoting husband to mom, you were truly a great man. I know that you are a Saint in Heaven and that you are again holding hands with mom. Always remember that my love for you will never fade. God Bless my sweet dad, I love and miss you so very much. Happy Father’s Day sweet Joey! Love, daughter Judi
Dear Dad,
Happy 82nd. birthday in Heaven! I know you are with Mom, Leif, and now Cassie. I love and miss you every day! God Bless you always.
Judi
dear dad happybirthday i know you are a real living person on the OTHERSIDE. i just wanted to say THANKYOU FOR BEING MY DAD TODAY TOMORROW AND FOREVER I BELIEVE IN GOD BECAUSE THAT WAS SO VERY REAL TO YOU SO IN TURN,IT BECAME SO REAL TO ME SO THANKYOU FOR THAT..Have fun today..but then its pure bliss where you and mom..now make your home..iloveyoudad..janetmarie
Dear Sweet Dad, today you would turn 83 here on earth. I do home mom baked you an Angel food cake with her famous sticky frosting! Your family misses you dearly but we know you are safe in God’s arms. I love you dad. Judi
Happy 84th birthday in Heaven dad! I miss you each and everyday and think of you all of the time, especially on special days such as today. My love to you always, Judi
Dearest dad, it’s been 7 years today since your passing but not one day goes by that I don’t think of you and miss you and your warm heart and smile. You were a great man and best father any daughter could ask for. I love you so very much. God Bless my dad always in Heaven Dear Lord.
Guestbook for
Joseph Frederick Ell