Obituary of Jack Clouse Ely

Jack Clouse Ely was born on April 2, 1931, in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of seven children born from the union of Marion and Anne (Clouse) Ely.  Throughout his life, Jack often recounted fond memories of his upbringing in Orchard East and Plum Creek.  As a young boy, he set traps to catch possum, racoon, and muskrat.  He then brought his catch home for his mother to prepare for the family to eat.  He even raised a pig and a goat to provide for the family.  

Jack met the love of his life, the former Madelyn Smith, and they were married on October 10, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert H. Fehner officiating. The happy couple was blessed with the birth of three sons. He cared for the needs of his family and was employed as a lineman by Ford Motor Company for fifteen years and as machine tender and fireman at Consolidated Packaging Corporation for twenty-nine years.

Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed dropping a line in the waters of Lake Erie as well as on the family property near St. Helen, Michigan.  Bow and rifle hunting were two other pastimes he took part in.  As an owner of bird dogs, Jack found joy pheasant hunting on the Edison grounds many years until it was fenced off.

Golf was a significant part of Jack's life, and he could often be found hitting the links at Dundee Golf Club, mainly with his beautiful bride. However, Jack was willing to golf any course, especially if he had a coupon. As a member of the Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, he found solace and tremendous support within that community he greatly cherished.

Jack embraced the value of hard work and he committed to planting a bountiful vegetable garden each year.  His children fondly teased that it seemed to stretch for miles. However, he was so particular with his garden, the family joked if you looked up “anal retentive” in the dictionary, his picture would be published under the definition.

Jack Clouse Ely, age 92, of Monroe, passed away at 12:46am on Tuesday; February 13, 2024, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. His passing was preceded by his wife of sixty-seven years: Madelyn in 2021; four brothers: a stillborn baby brother, Neal Ely, Bernard Ely, and Leonard Ely; and two sisters: Leah Treece and Vivian Goins.

To cherish his memory, he leaves three sons: David (Deborah) Ely, Mark Ely, Gary (Gayle) Ely; one brother: Kenneth (Pauline) Ely; ten grandchildren: Kathy (Brad) Cornett, Ryan (Stephanie) Ely, Dustin Coressel, Adam (Jen) Ely, Craig (Megan) Ely, Garrett Coressel, Matthew (Kylie) Ely, Paige Coressel (Ashley Flynn), Scott (Ashley) Ely, Aspen (Paul) Bahm; and twenty-two great grandchildren.

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 4:00pm on Sunday; February 18, 2024 and 9:30am-11:00am on Monday; February 19, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of His Life will take place at Merkle’s at 11:00am led by Pastor Roy Southerland.  Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery for burial.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.