Obituary: John A. Ellena

John A. Ellena, 74, of Cloquet passed away Sept. 11, 2022, at his home. He was born July 16, 1948, in Duluth, the son of Dominic and Winifred (Spehar) Ellena. He graduated from Morgan Park High School and attended Duluth Technical College. John served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and in the Air National Guard. He was united in marriage to Mary K. Martin on Oct. 14, 1972, in Minneapolis. John worked as an HVAC inspector for the city of Duluth. If you knew John, you were likely a longtime friend or relative or had met him at one of his children's or grandchildren's activities. John adored his family, his children, and especially his grandchildren, whether watching them in a game or school program, having them help him with a household project, cooking a special meal, or simply tucked under his arm in his favorite chair, watching hockey. John was patient and kind, selfless and giving - always wanting the best for everyone he knew. He will be missed. John lived to serve others, always found the good and provided us with a lifetime of treasured memories.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife's parents, Leon and Doris Martin. He is survived by his wife, Mary; children Patrick (Sarah) Ellena, Elizabeth (Torrey) Carlson, Michael (Brittany) Ellena, and Kathleen (Sean) Smith; grandchildren Emmie, Elle, Avery, Cooper, McKenzie, Isabelle, Dominic, Mitchell, Gino, Mario and Leon; brother Mark (Susan) Ellena; sisters Denise (Kevin) Jones and Carolina (Fred) Shermock; sister-in-law Ann Hanson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass Friday, Sept. 16 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet, followed by a luncheon in the fellowship room. Inurnment service will follow at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at 2 p.m. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.