At approximately 4:15 pm on Monday August 10, 2020 Glen passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Saint Patrick hospital in Missoula Montana as a result of a long heroic fight with cancer. Glen was 79 years old.Glen was born in Deer Lodge Montana on March 27, 1941 to Orbrie Stratton and Frances Grace Ellis.
Glen graduated Powell County Highschool in 1959 where he was involved in music, theatre and a class officer. He completed 1 year at Evangel College before transferring to Seattle Pacific College where he graduated in music education. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan and received a PhD in music. Any professional position he was in used his skills, abilities and love for education. His students loved and respected him tremendously because of his unwavering passion for music, teaching and encouraging his students to be the best they could be outside of the classroom as well as in the classroom. Later Glen went into real estate and used his giftings to help educate clients to lead them through the process of purchasing a house.
Glen was an avid reader almost always reading multiple books at once. It was not unusual to have stacks of books in various locations of the house waiting to be read. The joy of entering a bookstore could not be matched but much except maybe his love for coffee, really good coffee. He sought connection with all whom he came into contact with whether at the grocery store, getting gas or people he worked with. He was good at making you feel important, heard and understood. He possessed a quiet strength that could calm anyone. These traits that were put to good use when he volunteered for hospice. He could put patient and family members at ease and comforted them well. He would spend hours talking, reading, singing or just sitting with patients.
Leading the Deer Lodge community choir for the past several years. Choral music was his favorite and loved spending time searching for the perfect musical pieces for the choir to sing. This natural skill of gathering people together and teaching was a thread that ran through his entire life.
Glen is survived by his wife Dorothy Baldwin Eliis, daughters, Sherrill (Norm) Kraakmo, Karen (Ryan) Potteiger, Jill (Troy) Russell, Grandchildren, Jordan Kraakmo, Sara Kraakmo, Christian Vander Weide, Madison Russell, Emma Russell, Harper Russell
Sister Gwen Ellis and brother Ray Ellis
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Glen. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Glen and his family.
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Bruce and Pat Russell says
In Memory of Glen and sending our condolences to the Ellis Family:
He fought his illness with courage and dignity . . . and now he
has peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bruce and Pat Russell
Victor and Leanna Kraakmo says
Dear Ellis Family,
We were saddened to hear of Glen’s passing. Our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you now. Praying for each of you in this time of loss. Thankful that God’s comfort is abundant and the hope of Jesus is real. God’s blessing to you all! Love, Victor & Leanna Kraakmo
Ann says
Glenn, the choir in heaven is welcoming your talents and your God-given gifts. On earth, your elegance, grace, warmth, gentleness will be missed, but we will see it all through the lives of your three beautiful daughters and grandchildren.
Luci says
Condolences to the family
Jared Cooksey says
To the Ellis and Kraakmo families,
Please accept our condolences following Glen’s passing. He was a wonderful man and we have very fond memories of him during the brief time we knew him in Deer Lodge. Even in the midst of all the sorrow, please be reassured that Glen is now in the loving arms of his risen Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is no longer in pain and in suffering but is where he always longed to be. We look forward to the day we can be reunited with him as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Suzanne Lintz Ives says
Dear Ray and Gwen:
I am saddened by Glen’s passing. He was a straight-arrow classmate. We’ve been in touch on Facebook lately. My life has been intertwined with both of you, too.
Brother Ralph had a crush on you, Gwen.
Ray, you swam the butterfly so rhythmically, you often brought tears to my eyes seeing you pump the water and fly!
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sue Lintz
Marla says
I’m so very sorry to have read of Glen’s passing, just as I was about to send him a birthday card today, Such a kind-spirited man, who spoke so lovingly of his daughters and their families. Glen and I met virtually several years ago as partners on a fearless journey to growth, and he shared with me his love of horses, and of music, and of reading, as well as of his daughter’s love for my hometown of Merida, Mexico. Although we never met in person, his caring nature will forever be held as a fond memory.