Ellsworth J. Bliss

Ellsworth J. Bliss, 94, Wausau, died Sunday July 21, 2013 at the Hospice House, Wausau. He was born August 3, 1918, in Wausau, son of the late John and Helen (Burns) Bliss. On September 9, 1950, he married Margaret Holub in Wausau. She preceded him in death February 26, 1984. Ellsworth had been employed for 39 years at the 3M Corporation, Wausau, retiring as purchasing manager. Ellsworth and his wife, Margaret enjoyed dancing and after her death, he became quite good at cooking and baking. Among his varied interests, Ellsworth sang with the Barber shoppers, enjoyed woodworking, especially crafting his famous wooden stools and also having coffee every morning with the gang at the Blue Willow. Ellsworth served as member and past president of the Marathon County Tax Payers League and past president of the Marathon County Library Board. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, George Schreier Council No. 1069, Wausau. He was an active member of The Church of St. Anne, Wausau and through the years served as usher, parish council member, Building Committee member, money counter, as well as volunteering for the famous Fish Fries and Polka Fest. Survivors include five children, Kate (Bruce) Lingsweiler, Racine, Ann (Gary) Ventzke, Rib Mountain, Sue (Bernie) Richards, Wausau, Jim (Julie) Bliss, Wausau and Jane (Dave Bickle) Bliss, Minocqua, 13 grandchildren, Shaun Lingsweiler & Megan (Jeff Dinnebiel) Lingsweiler; Trisha (Ben) Vickers, Greg (Holly Hirsch) Ventzke & Abby (Brad Horwitz) Ventzke; Amy (Paul) Gasch, Holly (Mat) Schulz & Reid Richards; Reid Baker & Charlotte Baker; Logan Luedtke, Riley Luedtke & Mallory Luedtke; one great granddaughter, Elin Gasch, three siblings, Harold Bliss, Milwaukee, Helen Bliss, Weston and John (Pat) Bliss, Weston. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Bliss. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday July 26, 2013 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Alan T. Burkhardt will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. And again on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com