On December 12, 2022, -the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe- Robert Francis Ellis, Sr. left his earthly body behind to stand before our Merciful Savior and give an account of his life. God's mercy surrounded his family, as his wife and children were able to care for him at home with loving hands and grateful hearts until the very end.

"Bob Sr." was born July 4, 1945 to Howard and Mary Ellis in St Louis, Missouri and moved to Green Bay with his family at the age of 9, where he attended school at Premontre.

Bob joined the Navy in 1963 and served honorably, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer Second Class, until 1967 and then continued to serve in the Navy Reserves for an additional 4 years. On August 3rd, 1968 he married the most beautiful woman in the world, Dianne Marie Van Schyndel, of Oneida, WI, and together they were given the courage, fortitude, patience, and manifold graces necessary to raise 14 children.

In 1971, with his close friend B.J. Karn, they started a small automotive dealer supply business, Karn Automotive Products, which would go on to support his family for over 35 years.

Bob had a profound love of traveling and music, and enjoyed playing as a member of The Vibratones for many years, as well as directing his parish choir, and fostered the love of music in his many children.

In 1986, Bob was ordained a permanent deacon for the Catholic Church, through which office he brought the grace of the sacraments of baptism and matrimony to many, as well as serving as the spiritual director for the local chapters of the Blue Army and Catholics United for the Faith. Nearly 15 years ago he began work as the National Coordinator of the World Apostolate of Fatima, a post he was to faithfully man until he was able to work no longer. His love and devotion to the Holy Catholic Faith, his beloved wife, his children, grandchildren, siblings, countless friends and the United States of America were known by many. He was known to pray often "for peace -in our hearts, in our homes, in our city, state, nation, and the entire world."

Bob was a member of Catholics United For the Faith, The Institute on Religious Life, Knights of Columbus, and a permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Green Bay.

We will be forever grateful to God for the gift of Dad as a most excellent husband and father, who brought his children to the baptismal font and taught us by his life what it means to trust in God. We will always be grateful for the stellar example he set as a faithful, loving, self- sacrificing husband to our mother.

He is survived by his loving wife Dianne and their children; Bob Jr, Dan & Vicki, John & Zoryana, Tom & Christine, Rev. Mother Madeleine Marie, Tony & Gina, Andy & Christina, Theresa & Mario Bird, Joe & Kathleen, Damien & Allison, Steve & Ashley, Sam & special friend Stefani, Marty & special friend Alisa, Peter & Paige, as well as his 58 grandchildren and one great grandchild. As well as his siblings Mary Pat Van Schyndel, Carol & Mike Debbout, Sue & Tony Cicero.

Deacon Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father Howard and Mary Ellis, his brother Michael, his parents-in-law George and Edna Van Schyndel, and his brothers-in-law Dave, George, and John Van Schyndel.

At every parting Dad would never miss an opportunity to say, "Always remember three things: where you came from, where you're going, and how to get there." Now, he has admirably shown us all three. Thank you, Dad!

The Wake Service will be held on Sunday, Dec 18th, 4pm - 7pm, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 305 N Tenth St, De Pere, WI 54115.

The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, Dec 19th, 9:30am, preceded by the Holy Rosary at 9:00am, with Canon Antoine Boucheron presiding at ST PATRICK'S ORATORY, 211 N Maple Ave, Green Bay, WI 54303.

Internment will take place at MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY in De Pere.

NOTE: There will not be an open casket on the morning of the funeral. Viewing will take place at the funeral home vigil service on Sunday.

The Prayer service will be live streamed on Sunday, starting at 6:30PM.