Ellis E. Bockelman, Greenwood, NE, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 24, 2015 in rural Greenwood at the age of 91 years, 1 month, and 22 days. He was born to Adolph and Edith (Devore) Bockelman on March 2, 1924 on a farm southeast of Greenwood. He attended grade school district 75 for 8 years, then attended Ashland High School, graduating with his class of 1942. On March 17, 1946, he married Margaret Beetison and they lived on this farm until 1962, when Ellis and his family moved to their farm southeast of Greenwood. He lived there until he passed away.

Ellis farmed all of his life until he retired, but he worked at the Havelock Shops for a period of time. He also helped Jerry Stander digging wells over the years. He and Margaret were members of the Farm Bureau and Waverly Grange. They helped organize the Ashland Silver Squares and were also members of the North Bluff Square Dance Club for many years. Ellis joined the Ashland Methodist Church after his marriage, where he was a member for over 65 years. He served as chairman of the church board and member for many years and also served as a church usher. He was a member and past president of the Greenwood Cemetery Board. Ellis and Margaret were a great help to many elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors and this was a great enjoyment for them to be able to help.

He was proud to be a farmer and had to take over the family farm at the age of 15 after his father died of cancer. High school and making a living for his mother and sister was quite a task. He always had to be the first one out to get his ground ready and planted. He was known for having the straightest rows in the area. When he retired he took over the yard work, the garden, and helped with the flowers. Margaret’s failing health really kept him busy helping her. He and Margaret enjoyed country music very much and also eating out with friends and family. They were members of a Pinochle club for years and in later years he continued playing cards with friends. Ellis was very proud of his family and he did all he could to help them.

He is survived by two beloved daughters, Sheralee (Rolland) Pickel of Lincoln and Cindy (Rod) Ruhge of Avoca, NE; grandson, Rory Pickel of Lincoln; sister, Frances Bockelman of Lincoln; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Mae Grell and a host of other close friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by wife, Margaret; parents; daughters, Karen Kay and Carol Jean; sons, Willard Allen and Steven Earl; great-grandson, Taylor James McMillan.

He will be missed by many who knew him and his loving family.