Ryan Lee Ellis

Ryan L. Ellis, 48, of Upper Pine Creek passed away peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 19, 2022, in the comfort of his home. Ryan was born in Iron Mountain on June 4, 1974, the son of Mark Ellis and Cindy Wender. He attended Kingsford schools where he liked to play basketball and football. He enjoyed building model ships with his Grandpa Bob, as well as participating with his Dad, Mark, in his Boy Scout’s pinewood derby where he proudly won 1st place. Ryan showed a passion and aptitude for working with his hands and automobiles. His first rebuild being a wrecked Mustang that came into his place of work, Wally’s Auto Salvage. Credit being given to his Uncle Bobby “Bibbs” and many others in the automotive industry for helping him learn his craft. His talent grew as the line between fun and work faded. He extended his knowledge in paint and body work through PPG courses, gaining certifications to help him find work where his passion was. He went on to run the body shop at UP International Trucks (previously Schultz Equipment), where he worked for the past 20+ years. He spent most of his free time in the garage, working on a project of his own or for others, typically with a couple more waiting in the yard. He will always be known for his green ’41 Chevy show truck that he rebuilt and won multiple “Best In Show” awards with at local car shows; along with his other custom builds including choppers, Harleys, and rat rods. More recently, Ryan had the opportunity to purchase his late Step-Dad Du’s old pulling truck “The Predator”. He gave it a much-needed face lift before he and his “cuz” Little Ryan both got to pull at the Dickinson County Fair. When not working, he enjoyed spending his time with family and friends in his garage or theirs in the “Upper Pine Creek Compound”, dancing to his favorites, doing the famous “Rae-Rae” shuffle- arms folded to his head, shuffling, with pinkies to the sky. Ryan also enjoyed the solitude of camp, making sure it was well cared for and stocked with wood and goulash for Dale Allen and Mac during hunting season. He will be remembered for his meticulously clean house and lifted trucks (known to always be sporting Pabst license plates), his great sense of humor, the nicknames that he had for everyone, riding anything with wheels, and his commitment to his daughter and family. Ryan will be deeply missed by his pride and joy but also pain in his arse daughter, Macala “Mac” (Tom “Ginga”) Graham; parents, Cindy Wender (Steve Mannigel) and Mark (Kathy) Ellis; brothers, Shawn Ellis (Dawn Marsden) and Eric Ellis (Hannah Tinkey); grandparents, Lois Langsford and Henry and Sheila Wender; close aunt and uncle, Bob Jr. “Bibbs” and Mary Wells; many nieces and cousins, the entire Pine Creek Mafia/Wender Compound; best friend, Brad Kassin and family; and many other loving family and friends. Ryan is preceded in death by his stepfather, Duane “Du” Wender; niece, “Savannah Banana”; and grandparents, Bob Sr. and Sadie Wells and Arline “Chickie” and Laurel “Lolly” Ellis, good friends Jason “Big Jay” Ingalls, and Jason Copiskey. Visitation will be at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, with Rev. Walter Reichle officiating the Memorial Service at 5:00 pm. Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ryan L. Ellis online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Ryan Lee Ellis

June 4, 1974 - December 19, 2022