Cover photo for Rick Ellis's Obituary
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1950 Rick 2012

Rick Ellis

September 14, 1950 — October 12, 2012

Rick William Ellis was born September 14, 1950. The adopted son of Sam and Joanne Ellis, Rick grew up in Fairbury, Nebraska. He graduated from Fairbury High School in 1969 and went on to receive an Associates Degree in Business at Fairbury Junior College. Rick served his country in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam War.

On August 29, 1971 Rick was united in marriage to Donna Hasselbring at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury. They made their home in Auburn, Nebraska, and were blessed with a son, Mark.

Rick began his career at Auburn State Bank, where he served as a loan officer for many years. He next worked in the insurance industry, selling many lines of insurance. Shifting his interests, Rick began work in factories in southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa. He worked at Arnie?s Bakeries in Nebraska City until its closing, and then went to the popcorn factory in Hamburg, Iowa. His most recent work was at C.J. Foods in Pawnee City, where he was still employed.

Rick held memberships in the First United Methodist Church in Auburn, the Auburn Eagles Club, and the Fairbury Elks Club. He was a huge Husker fan, and also cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs. His spare time was spent working with wood, and he could make a lamp out of about anything. He liked grilling out, and loved his flowers and watching birds play at the feeders he kept for them.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Rick fought the disease while continuing to work as much as he was able. A worsening of his health kept Rick at home, with Donna there to care for him. It was in his home that Rick passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012 at the age of 62 years and 28 days. His son Mark, father Sam, and father-in-law Harry Hasselbring preceded him in death.

Rick is survived by his wife Donna of Auburn; mother Joanne Ellis of Fairbury; sister Peggy Palmerton of Fairbury; mother-in-law Everna Hasselbring of Fairbury; brother-in-law Max and wife Lisa Hasselbring of Johnson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 15, 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Auburn. Burial will follow in Sheridan Cemetery near Auburn, with graveside military honors provided by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn. Visitation will be at the funeral home Sunday noon to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 2:00 to 4:00.
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