Ralph C. Ellison, 87, of East Jordan, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2022.
Ralph was born February 26, 1935 in Mason, Michigan, the son of Mildred (Eggers) and George Ellison, Sr. He attended Mason High School, where he was All State Honors in football and graduated in 1952. He went on to study at Adrian College and then attended Central Michigan University, where he excelled in their football and track programs. He obtained a Master’s in Education from Wayne State University in 1958.
On August 24, 1957, he married the love of his life, Gail Kinnison. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary last year. She was always the apple of his eye.
Ralph was employed by Frasier High School for 31 years. Over the years he taught mechanical drafting, wood shop, and coached football. He was also the head of the Industrial Arts Department for many years.
Upon his retirement, Gail and Ralph moved to Hoffman Lake where they kept busy building the retirement home of their dreams. They then moved to the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix.
His is survived by his beloved wife Gail of East Jordan; his daughters, JoLynn Michel (Vince) Brecheisen of Petoskey, Julie (Dave) Dziuda of Rochester Hills, and Char (Rob) Brykalski of Manhattan Beach, CA.; grandchildren, Jessica Michel, Rob Michel, Andrew Brecheisen, Kathleen (Aaron) Marrota, Steven Brecheisen, Brandon (Megan) Dziuda, and Brent Dziuda; his sister Joyce Trapp; and numerous members of the extended family.
He is preceded in death by his brothers, George Ellison, Jr. and Don Ellison.
There will be a funeral service on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Stone Funeral Home (2098 East Mitchell Road, Petoskey, MI 49770) with one-hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Ryan Donahoe will officiate. Burial will take place immediately following at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey.
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