William Edward Ellison
William Edward Ellison, affectionately known as Jess, passed away to join his Lord and Savior, on Sunday, September 12th, 2021, at St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Jess died due to a stroke, surviving for 11 days until his death.
Jess was born in Sheboygan, WI, on May 16th, 1927. He was the son of Dorothy (Calvey) and William R. Ellison.
On May 20th, 1950, he married beautiful Bette Irene Ellison, of Oshkosh, WI. They enjoyed a loving marriage for 61 years.
Jess graduated from Fond du Lac High School on June 6th, 1946. He had a long and illustrious career as a well-known jazz piano player. It all began when his maternal grandmother, Charity, gave him a player piano. His parents did not have a lot of money, so the city of Fond du Lac sponsored his music lessons. If the city had not paid for his lessons, he may not have ever started them. His first gig was with a Dance Orchestra that he took over with a well-known trumpet player by the name of Bob Sutherland. They later went on to play in a small band at county fairs throughout the Midwest. In the fall of 1946, Jess went to Milwaukee Teachers College to study in their music program. He studied there for one year and then decided to go to the Milwaukee Conservatory for one year. He became the valedictorian of his class. He later went on the road with the Benny Rhodes Trio. Jess went on to form the famous modern jazz trio known as the Soft Tones in which he played for many years with Ken Chapin on drums, Dave Otto on bass and the beautiful Betty Chapin on vocals. Later, Jess played for 27 years at the well-known restaurant: Theo’s 24 Chop House on Main Street in Fond du Lac.
Of course, there were many gigs in and around Fond du Lac too numerous to mention. It is truly an understatement to say that Jess put a smile on everyone’s face when he tickled the 88’s! In that way, he fulfilled his desire to make the world a better and happier place!
Jess supplemented his musical career by working as a lighting consultant at Ellison Electric Supply Company., as well as Galaxy lighting.
Jess is survived by two of his three children; a daughter, Lynn (Tim) Murphy; and two grandsons: Cameron, (married to Lex Howell) of Sandwich, Massachusetts and Tyler Murphy of Los Angeles, California; and his son, Mark William Ellison of New Lisbon. Jess is also survived by a “village of friends” who loved him dearly.
Preceding Jess in death are: his wife, Bette; and daughter, Lori; his dear friends Audrey Gorwitz and Betty Chapin; as well as many other relatives and friends.
VISITATION: His family will receive relatives and friends at the Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, on Friday, September 24th, 2021, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
SERVICES: A celebration of life service will be held at the Zacherl Funeral Home on Friday, September 24th, at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Jess Ellison Legacy Fund: Fond du Lac Area Foundation, 1020 South Main Street – Suite E, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, 54935.
Special thanks to all the wonderful caregivers at St. Agnes Hospital as well as Jess’s dear friend, Dr. Michael Sergi. We cannot thank all of you enough for your love and Compassionate Care! Condolences may be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com