Service Details
His Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Durand Ave., on Thursday, March 31st, at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will take place at the church that day from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu flowers the family would appreciate memorials be sent to Casa Romero Renewal Center, 423 W. Bruce St. Milwaukee 53204.
John M. Ellgas was born on September 8, 1942, in Chicago, to Dorothy O’Malley and Marshall Ellgas who preceded him in death. He married Peggy Saal in 1992 and she survives.
John is a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving as an electrician on a submarine tender in Charleston, SC. After his discharge in 1964, he worked for We Energies for 41 years, starting as a cable splicer and then as a supervisor of underground construction in Milwaukee. He retired in 2004.
John met Peggy on a bicycle ride in Florida in March 1992; they married on September 4, 1992 in Peoria, IL. For the next 30 years they traveled and rode their bikes together in the U.S. and Europe. John had many hobbies and interests, including talking, woodworking, playing cards, studying, reading, mentoring and leading scripture studies.
John was a life-long, devout Catholic. His faith was central to his life and focus of his energy. He served many roles at St. Lucy, St. Paul the Apostle, and for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, finding much joy serving on committees. For 17 years he relished participating in the summer scripture series at the University of St. Mary’s on the Lake in Mundelein, IL, where he developed many deep friendships. He is past chair of the Archdiocese Pastoral Committee. In 2009 he received a Certificate of Spiritual Mentoring from Cardinal Stritch University.
In addition to his wife, survivors include children Marshall Ellgas, Patrick Ellgas and Christine Gwozdz; grandchildren MacKenzie Gwozdz, Alex Kornfield and Sean Kornfield; nieces Erin and Julie Saal; nephews Sean Mozal and Mike and Brian Chevalier; great-nieces Emma and Vivienne Chevalier and great-nephew Carter Chevalier. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Kay Mozal.
Katie Nelson says
Peggy,
So sorry to read of John’s passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Patty Brown says
He was an awesome person and gentleman. Loved by many. ❤️ He had a full life and he cherished Peggy 💞 My deepest sympathies to Peggy and family 🙏🙏🙏
Karen Zimmerman says
John was a man with a huge heart and touched many lives. I will smile whenever I think of him and the many times he came to “rescue” Peggy or one of us “pedal pushers” from flat tires. He had a wonderful sense of humor and had the gift of gab 😂. But what I remember most fondly was his complete love and devotion to his wife Peggy and all the hello /goodbye kisses they always gave. RIP dear John ✝️
Mary Ann king says
Peggy, so sorry for your loss my the love of god comfort you. In my thoughts and prayers
Cyndi Erbe says
I had the pleasure of meeting John at The Sealed Air YMCA, what a gym member, great attitude and fun and kind. DEEPEST SYMPATHY!
Dale Ruth Raboldt says
I knew John from the Y classes we did together for many years. His sense of humor, his hat, his car, his fun socks, the color blue which he wore a lot and got teased about…… all fun classes and memories of John. My sympathy to all his family. God bless you during this difficult time. John will be missed by many who knew him……
Perry & Terri Oksiuta says
Always enjoyed John’s visits to the shop. A great story teller and Occasionally a good stock top. Always good for a laugh! He will be missed by many. Our sympathies,
Phyllis Orlowski-Johnson says
I’m so sad, I dont have words. John was a wonderful mentor. I will miss his huge smile, his teasing jokes and all of his support. What a tremendous loss. Youth masses wont be the same without him.
Betsy SAAL says
Peggy, my heart goes out to losing your sweet husband. Your great memories will take you through for the many years to come. You had much happiness in your marriage and that is a gift. Lots of love from your cousin in law, Betsy. I have walked this road and you will be strong and God will hold your hand. My sympathies go to you and your family, in my prayers. Most sincerely, Betsy SAAL
Paul Minneti says
And the Lords first words to John were, Job well done good and faithful Servant.
Pat Widmaier says
I worked with John at We Energies. What a great sense of humor and willingness to help. My sympathies to his family.
Jes Hill says
I may have never met you here on earth, and i will prayinging for your family and friends.
i will meet you one day in Heaven were we all will be completely pain free and rejoicing always. Give Jesus a big hug from me please.
Kate Jacob Violet and Jocelyn Thomas says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours Peggy and Family. We will hold close the wood bowls we have collected from our visits to you and John over these last few years as a reminder of him and his giving heart.
Dawn Johnson says
I always loved going to him in high school with Chris
Jim Erven says
John was an excellent and well-versed spiritual leader, hosting and overseeing scripture studies for many years. His warmth, his insight and his candor are traits he most aptly brought to bear upon relationships he embraced in service to the kingdom of God. Broadly and professionally, he will be sorely missed.
Rhonda O'Connor says
Christine and Mackenzie – you have my deepest condolences!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mark and Colleen Kechter says
Peggy……our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. My first vision was of John’s heavenly Welcome Home. He prepared for this day for so many years. I have missed my conversations with him since retiring from St. Paul.
He will live on in your memories and those of anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him. God bless you at this sorrowful time.
Darnell & Melissa Hoaglund says
Chrissy & Mackenzie- I’m so sorry for your loss!! Our prayers are with you!!!
Darnell & Melissa Hoaglund
Anonymous says
My condolences to John’s family. I enjoyed taking Scripture study from him. He was unique and a gift. .. a very dedicated faith filled man. He will be sorely missed at St. Paul the Apostle. God took home the best.
Lynette Powers
Bill Spreeberg says
So sorry for the loss of John.
Really enjoyed talking to him at th YMCA.
Ann Barry says
Peggy,
I am so so sorry to hear about John’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven gained another Angel!!
Doris Ingram-Jones - South Fulton, GA says
My sincere condolence and prayers to the Ellgas family during your time of sorrow. May God comfort you in the days, weeks, to come. He has finished his course. I knew John from WeEnergies.
Tina W. says
My prayers are with the family. John came in to the Piggly Wiggly were I work he always had a nice smile and a hello how are you doing. He would pay for his things an wish me a good day.
Crystal Fox says
Dear Peggy,
We are so sorry to hear about Johns passing. We had many happy times with you both throughout the years and all our conversations. Our thought and prayers are with you all through this difficult time.
Ron and Crystal Fox family
Your JAMESTOWN Family.
Dal Embry says
Hey, Peggy , did a search and ran found this obituary. Sorry for your loss. I sometimes think about our Caterpillar days. If you want to catch up you can email me at wdeyle@frontier.com