Jeffery Ely

Jeff was born March 21, 1965 in Marquette to Leona Carolyn Ely and Joseph Waldo Ely. He was known throughout the community for his adventurous spirit, propensity for storytelling, and his giant loving heart. He loved the local music scene, motorcycles, and enjoying the great outdoors of Upper Michigan. People always wait until it’s too late to say things, but not our Dad, he would always tell everyone how much you meant to him or how insanely cool he thought you were; especially in his older years. He wasn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.

Jeff raised three daughters: Amber (Jacob) Sloan of Heiligenmoschel, Germany, Heather (Daniel) Rocha of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Ashlee Vizina of Cheboygan, Michigan. While Amber is his only biological child, he chose to adopt her sister, Heather, and raise their oldest sister, Ashlee as his own too; that is who he was. That is his legacy. He got them through high school, they all graduated college, and he got four amazing grandsons. Our Dad was married to our mother for 20 years, so much of his life we spent as a family of five.

He also leaves behind four grandsons: Ayden, Alexander, Marshall, and Leonardo, with one granddaughter on the way, due any day. He is survived by his mother, Leona (Art) Sakkinen; his siblings: Bryan (Glenda) Ely, Troy (Janet) Ely, Greg (Mary) Ely, Gayle (Dwaine) McGeorge, and Joni (Mark) Mountz. He also leaves behind his girlfriend, Penny Jean Olson; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends everywhere.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Ely; and his brother, Randy Ely. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would be thankful to receive donations and notes of remembrance directly to Koskey Funeral Home in Negaunee.

Mr. Ely’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.