Marilyn Marie Ellis, 89, of Postville, Iowa went home to Jesus on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society in Postville, Iowa. She was born May 21, 1931 to Albert and Alice (Christofferson) Backhaus in Post Township, Allamakee County, Iowa. Marilyn was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. She grew up on a farm near Luana, Iowa and attended Postville Community Schools. Marilyn graduated with the class of 1949.
On October 15, 1950, Marilyn was united in marriage with Darwin Gene Ellis of Postville, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Their marriage lasted sixty-nine years, until her passing. Darwin and Marilyn worked for her parents’ family farm until 1961, they then moved to Postville, Iowa to start an appliance and electrical service business. Marilyn also worked at the Postville Community Hospital. She then worked for Dr. Milton Schlein for eight years until 1981 when she started working for Dr. W.H. Armentrout, who took over the chiropractic clinic where she worked for another thirty years until her retirement. Everyone said Marilyn had the softest hands and smile when getting treatments. What Marilyn loved the most was her family and just having talks with all her friends, these she truly cherished.
Surviving Marilyn are her husband, Darwin Ellis of Postville, Iowa; one son, Randall (Jan) Ellis of Castalia, Iowa; grandson, Jesse (Jennifer) Reinhardt of Cedar Falls, Iowa; granddaughters, Jennifer Ellis of Burnsville, Minnesota and Sara (Joe) Rogalla of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; great-grandson, Jace Temple Reinhardt and great-granddaughter, Nora Jean Reinhardt of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister-in-law, Loretta Backhaus of Postville, Iowa; and nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Alice Backhaus; infant son, Dennis Lee Ellis; adult daughter, Darla Jean Reinhardt; and one brother, John “Jack” Backhaus.
Visitation will be held from 3-7 pm on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Postville, Iowa.
A Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, June 15, 2020 at Postville Cemetery in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant. For your comfort, please bring a lawn chair.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state and federal guidance on gatherings will be followed.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.