VanMichael James Ellis 🇺🇸

VanMichael (Von) Ellis lived life to its fullest with the attitude that any day could be his last.  Even though his last day was unexpected, he had already accomplished so much. 

The first two decades of his life he was actively involved in soccer, football, and basketball. He was the “too smart for your britches”, mischievous boy who kept everyone on their toes and a smile on their face.  He was an awesome big brother to Micheal Young. He was determined to help raise Micheal and toughen him up, even when it made mom mad. He graduated high school with a football scholarship to Lindenwood University, but that’s not where his heart was.  His desire was to join the Armed Forces.  Following in his Mother’s, Grandfather’s and Great grandfather’s boots, he joined the Army.

In the final decade of his life,  he was a very busy man. January 22nd of 2010, Von completed the US Army Basic Combat training program in Jackson, SC.  Shortly thereafter, he betrothed Sarah (Terschluse) Ellis.  Von’s military schooling as a Field Medic, simply wasn’t enough; he had a much bigger dream with the military. 

  A Green Beret.  

2012 Basic Leader Course 

2015 Infantry Basic Training Ft. Benning GA

2016 Airborne Training

2017 Special Forces Training-7th special Forces Group

2017 Survival, Evasion Resistance Training

2018 Advance Leaders Course

2018 Military Free Fall Training 

On March 22, 2019, his daughter Madelyn Grace Ellis was born.  Madelyn has the same “shit eating grin”,  love of the outdoors, fearlessness, and stubbornness of her father.  Having a daughter pushed him in another direction.  He decided to complete his formal education in preparation for the civilian world.  In May 2021 he graduated from Northeastern University held at Fenway Park in Boston MA.  He was in the process of working on his Masters/PhD.

Von had it all.  Tough, intelligent, confident, athletic, and was ridiculously funny. He had the most beautiful eyes.  He could engage and forge a relationship with anyone. He was an electric and eclectic young man.  He was a connoisseur of food and loved to cook everything from exotic dishes to his mom’s recipe for banana pudding and spaghetti. His interests were many; skydiving, motorcycle riding, golf, music, dancing, swimming, boating, travel and hiking. No matter what he did, if he could take his dog with him, he would.  He was inwardly sensitive and would do anything for his family, friends, and country. 

Those that knew VanMichael J. Ellis, just gained a bright star in the sky above them. 

His hugs will be missed by both his daughter Madelyn Grace Ellis and his true best friend and mother; Karen Young Kellenberger. The loss of his spirt will never be forgotten.  While the affection was shared, his open display of love for his brother, Micheal W. Young was evident each time they were together.  His presence and love for so many will remain in the hearts of his Stepfather Stephen Kellenberger, Grandparents Michael and Bonnie Kufskie and Uncle Michael Kufskie.

❤️❤️ We love you so much!   xoxoxoxoxo! ❤️❤️

Sadness lays on the shoulders of Madelyn’s Mother Sarah & her family, his cousins, aunts, uncles, girlfriend Ms. Bruna C. Milligan, and all his military family.

SERVICES: Please join us in Von’s celebration of life, Visitation will be held in the Great Hall of Ambruster Chapel 6633 Clayton Road (Clayton) St. Louis MO 63117, Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 4pm to 8pm and on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 9:30am to 11am, Funeral Service on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 11am. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 1pm.

In Lieu of flowers please use the following link to donate to K9s For Warriors and follow these directions: Donate Now>One Time Gift>Your Best Gift>Click Box “Yes this is an honor or memorial gift” - the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress , traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.

The Family would like to invite you to share photos and memories of Von here on his Memorial page that he can no longer tell. Please submit your photos to AmbrusterChapel@yahoo.com.

To view shared photos, please click on the following link: Photo album