Winfield LeRoy 'Pat' Ele

Sept. 4, 1918 - Jan. 23, 2009

Winfield LeRoy "Pat" Ele died Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, at Community Hospital in McCook. He was 90 years old.

Pat was born Sept. 4, 1918, in Dorchester to Ora Ned and Opal (Endicott) Ele. He attended Wauneta schools.

On May 4, 1937, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on May 13, 1941. He reenlisted at the time of Pearl Harbor and served until he was honorably discharged again in 1945.

On May 13, 1943, he married Maxine Lucille Willsey in McCook. To this union four children were born. They made their home in Wauneta where Pat helped build the Enders Reservoir. They later moved to McCook. He started working for the Jewell Company as a wholesaler until his retirement.

Pat was a member of Wauneta United Methodist Church, Wauneta American Legion and McCook Veteran's of Foreign Wars.

He coached Little League Baseball. Other hobbies included fishing, spending time in his yard and flower garden, and playing with his Boston Terriers, Babe and Sugar.

He loved being with his grandchildren especially watching them play baseball and softball.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ora and Opal Ele; his wife, Maxine in May of 2007; one sister, Jewel Dinnel Brownlee; and stepmother, Nellie (Dudek) Ele.

Survivors include his two sons, Robert Ele of Lincoln and Ned Ele and wife, Kim of Scottsbluff; two daughters, Patricia and husband, Gerald Mitchem and Mary and husband, Tom Vontz, all of McCook; 12 grandchildren, one step-grandchild; 16 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation is today and Tuesday from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friends may send condolences at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Wauneta at 3 p.m. C.S.T.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.