Michael Ellison
MARQUETTE, MI- Michael J. Ellison, 70, of Powell Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, February 16, 2025, at Trillium House. He was surrounded by his family and under the care of Trillium House staff and UP Home Health & Hospice.
Born on June 22, 1954, in Detroit, MI, a son of the late Theodore and Mary (Lange) Ellison. He was raised in Royal Oak, graduated from Kimball High School in 1972 and went on to attend Eastern Michigan University.
Mike married the love of his life, Patricia Clancy, in Waterford, Michigan on October 30, 1977.
Mike began his career with Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Southfield, Michigan, where he held various positions throughout his tenure. His love for the Upper Peninsula led him to transfer to Marquette in 1981, where he and his family made their home on Saux Head Lake. After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Mike retired from Michigan Bell in 2007.
Mike was a member of St. Peter Cathedral and the church choir. He was also a member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
Throughout his life, Mike embraced a variety of hobbies. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, hunter, and gardener, always drawn to the outdoors. Mike took great pride in cutting and splitting all his own firewood to heat the family home, and he removed all the snow each winter using only his Yooper Scooper. His love for nature led him on countless camping trips, exploring several National Parks with his family. One of his most memorable vacations was an anniversary trip to Italy with Patty. An animal lover at heart, Mike raised many shelties over the years. His enthusiasm for sports was undeniable, particularly when it came to football, baseball, and hockey. He was a loyal fan of the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Michigan Wolverines. Beyond his love of nature and sports, Mike was a creative soul. He had a passion for photography and writing, and proudly published two novels.
He is survived by his wife, Patty Ellison of Powell Twp.; children, Mark (Erin) Ellison of Marquette and Thomas (Gennine) Ellison of Skandia.; grandchildren, Mark, Brianna, Jasmine, Elise, Ally and Kaeden; siblings, DeeDee Porter of Port Charlotte, FL and Tom (Becky) Ellison of Ann Arbor, MI; several nieces & nephews; in-laws, Kathy (Chuck) Lester of Lake Orion, MI, Pamela Wagner of Holly, MI, Bob Clancy of Lake Orion, MI, David Clancy of Davisburg, MI, Mary (Roger) Cox of Holly, MI and Suzanne (Michael) Brannon of Holly, MI.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 4 to 7 pm at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A parish prayer service and rosary will take place at 6:30 pm in the funeral home. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 10 to 11 am in the Bishop’s Room at St. Peter Cathedral. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Mike’s Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/michael-j-ellison
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to UPAWS or Trillium House.
Memories of Mike may be shared at canalefuneral.com.