Word has been received of the death Feb. 13 of Hopkins native and 1940 Hopkins High School graduate Arthur “Art” E. Ellinger, 93, of Zolfo Springs, Fla
Art was born Nov. 25, 1921, in Hopkins, to Waldo G. and Gertrude Waechter Ellinger. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, received his bachelor’s degree in education from Calvin College and taught high school chemistry, physics and math for Mendon Community Schools, coaching football, baseball, basketball and track.
Mr. Ellinger was co-captain for the Hopkins Merchants baseball team in 1946.
He married Marilyn Bredeweg in 1952 and then furthered his education to get a master’s degree in Education from Western Michigan University and a masters degree in business administration from Michigan State.
In 1982, Art retired as superintendent of Thornapple-Kellogg Schools in Middleville after 33 years, with Michigan public schools. He and Marilyn moved to N. Fort Myers, where they lived for eight years and then moved to The Bluffs in Zolfo Springs, where they have resided for the past 21 years.
He spent winter weekends (for 32 years) at Hardy Dam, swimming, boating, fishing and skiing. Art enjoyed deer hunting and did so with the same friends for 50 years.
Throughout the years, he was involved with Rotary International, Kiwanis, a volunteer fireman in Mendon, Barry County Board of Mental Health board member, Pennock Hospital Board Trustee, Coordinator of Services for MNA.
Art is survived by his wife of 63 years (in June), Marilyn Ellinger, of Zolfo Springs, FL, sons; Thomas (Deborah) Ellinger, of Middleville, Richard (Susan) Ellinger, of Kentwood, daughter Diane Ellinger, of Wayland, brothers, Rudolph (Julia) Ellinger, of Kalamazoo, brothers in law; Alvin Lambert, of Allegan, Edwin (Marilyn) Bredeweg, Gary (Lillian) Bredeweg, both of Zolfo Springs, FL, 12 grandchildren and their spouses, eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Art was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Luikes, his parents and his sister, Myrta Lambert.
A memorial service was held Feb. 21 at The Chapel of Brookside Bluffs. A Celebration of Life service was held Friday, March 13, at Leighton United Methodist Church, Caledonia.
The interment ceremony, with Navy Military Honors was held at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, with Pastor Diane Joy Ellinger officiating both services.
