Bert J. Elles, 89, Highly Decorated War Veteran

Mr. Elles was born on November 20, 1913 in Lorain where he had been a resident until 2001. He attended Lorain High School and graduated with the class of 1932-A. He began a forty-two year career with the National Tube Company in 1934; in 1942 he enrolled in the Case School of Applied Science. He was inducted into the military in March of 1943 and went on to serve with the Company A of the 202nd Engineer Combat Battalion in the European Theater. He saw extensive battle during the invasion of Normandy, as well as skirmishes in Northern France, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was also the recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Five Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon his return from the military, he rejoined the United States Steel Corporation where he served as Quality Control Technician in the Inspection Department of Lorain Works. He retired from the post in 1975.

Bert was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Lorain; he was a life member of United Steelworkers’ Local 1104, and a member of the Golden Age Pensioner’s Club.

He was also a member of the Admiral King High School Band Parents Organization as well as a committee member of Boy Scout Troop # 306 where he assisted both of his sons in their recognition and achievements as Eagle Scouts. An avid fan of Ohio State Buckeyes football team and the Cleveland Indians; he was also a golf enthusiast.

He is survived by a daughter: Patricia Sell of Wakeman; sons: Bradford B. of Berea, and retired Naval Commander Christopher of Bear, Deleware; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sisters: Malve Karhusz of Lorain, and Irene Meyers of South Amherst; and a brother, John Elles living in Gary, Indiana.

Mr. Elles was preceded in death by his wife, Ann (nee Harman) in 1994; and his parents, John and Helen (nee Siskas) Elles.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 7-9 in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel; 3224 Broadway in Lorain. Friends may also call from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11:30 in Funeral Chapel; the Rev. Matthew Darrin, pastor of the Christ United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, in Amherst Township, where officers and members of Mullen-Murray Post #451 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct full military honors.

The family suggests memorials in his memory to the Boy Scouts of America.