Jeffrey Peter Ellis, 52 of San Pierre, passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 29, 2025. He was born November 15, 1972, the son of Robert C. and Christine M. (Cisar) Ellis. Jeff recently retired as a millwright, working through the Local 1076 Millwrights Union for 33 years. He enjoyed tending to his farm, attending baseball practices and games for Isaiah, and loved spending time with family. Jeff was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone, and his handyman skills were second to none. Friends and family will also remember his collecting habits, which earned him the name of “Junk Man Jeff”.
Jeff is survived by the love of his life, Venessa Vlach; son, Isaiah Burns; sisters, Gwen (Vince) Amoroso and Liane Ellis; nephews and niece, Vincent, Thomas, and Juliana Amoroso; step-daughters, Amanda Frederick, Brittany Sturgoen, and Destiny Vlach; grandchildren, Sean, Brandy, Lilly, Alivia, Hayden, Jared, Kimberlynn, Kiley, Jacob, and Waylon; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepdaughter, Sylvia Burns.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 3:00-7:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 8th at 10:00 AM and burial to follow at San Pierre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Family, and they will make a donation to the North Judson Youth Baseball League in Memory of Jeff.
GUESTBOOK
I’m sorry was a complete honor to have met you. -Mike Spence
What a great man he was! I lost my keys inside the steel mill and instead of going home like everyone else Jeff stuck around and helped me break into my truck with his tools where I had an extra set of keys I was able to get home that evening thanks to Jeff!! He will be greatly missed!!!! -Rick Hayes
Even though he wasn’t my biological grandfather he was there since I was little he was like my grandfather and we had so many grate memories mainly when we all would pull his beard and plug his nose and it would make him talk funny. I will always love and miss you paw Jeff. -Kiley Ann Sturgeon
Your family is in our prayers during this very challenging time. I will always think of Jeff very fondly and how we use to joke about his need to find that next best thing in storage lockers. He will be missed very much. Everyone that met Jeff was better for it. -Mike and Kim Lyons
I still remember the day you showed up at USS as a first year apprentice. Eager and wanting to learn and fit in. Which you did quickly. You turned into a great journeyman and an even better supervisor. You and Vanessa made a great team. -Rick Childress
Jeff Ellis was a truly outstanding gentleman—kind-hearted, dedicated, and always willing to lend a hand. As a journeyman millwright, he took great pride in his craft, striving for excellence in every project he touched. But beyond his skill and professionalism, what truly set Jeff apart was his generosity. He consistently went above and beyond, giving his time, effort, and heart to help others succeed. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the work he perfected, and the friendships he built along the way. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. -Kevin Grooms
