Harold L. Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH, HAROLD L.

Harold Ellsworth, of Appleton, 77, passed away at home on Saturday, August 16, 2008, with his family at his side. He was born in Niagara Falls, New York, the son of the late Harold L. and Lenore Ellsworth. On December 4, 1954, he married Geraldine Rodenko in Niagara Falls, NY. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Harold spent 25 years in the paper industry. His early career was with IMC in Florida and Chicago, A.E. Staley in Decatur, IL, and Brown Co. of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1978, he joined Fox River Paper, Appleton, where he was president and chief operating officer for 12 years, retiring in 1991. During the next decade he took on various consulting assignments.

John Byrnes of Mason Wells stated, “Harold Ellsworth was an exceptional paper industry executive with a special talent for fixing troubled businesses. He was a natural leader with a fierce intellectual honesty that immediately earned the respect of others. He was a quick study who could unerringly identify and help others to correct the critical factors affecting the performance of the business. Harold will be missed by all who had the pleasure of working with him.”

Harold was actively involved in community and industry associations including board chairman of Novus Health Group, the parent corporation when the Appleton and Theda Clark Medical Centers were merged. He was vice-chairman of the Tri-County Expressway Citizens Committee and chairman of Goodwill Industries, and on the boards of Peabody Manor and the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Among his honors was the Brotherhood Award, given annually by the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

Harold is survived by his loving wife: Geri Ellsworth; four children: Lori (Joseph) Galasso, New Jersey; Harold S. (Susan) Ellsworth, Utah; Linda (Matt) Gruntner, Minnesota and Paul (Jill) Ellsworth, Appleton; ten grandchildren; brother: Arthur (Carol) Ellsworth, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

The memorial service for Harold will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (803 E. College Ave., Appleton) with Rev. Charles Valenti-Hein officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Rawhide Boys Ranch or ThedaCare at Home Hospice are appreciated.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton, WI 54911