Ellis passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Blue Water Rest Home on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Erlene (Gingerich) Stewart for over 64 years. Cherished father of Kim (Mike), Brad (Linda) and Brian. Proud grandpa of Melissa (Greg), Jennifer, Brandon (Madison), Jessica (Mark), Connor (An), Nick, Zack and great-grandpa of Jaden (Kyle), Avery, Claire, Grayson, Sophie, Mia and Greyson and great-great-grandpa of Paisley and Emersyn. Dear brother of Judy Johnson (Barry), and Rodger Finkbeiner (Charlene), dear brother-in-law of Darlene Finkbeiner and Theresa Finkbeiner. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Elmer Stewart, his mother Irene (Stewart) Finkbeiner, step-father Allan Finkbeiner and brothers Doug Finkbeiner and Steve Finkbeiner.
Born on August 10, 1941 in Manitoba, Ellis and his mother Irene moved to Ontario in 1944 after his father was killed in the war. Ellis gained a second father, Allan Finkbeiner, and four siblings. A hardworking man, Ellis spent over 20 years at Cooks in Hensall (now Hensall Co-op) followed by another 20 years at the Dublin Feed Mill. Ellis was well known and well respected in the farming community! After retirement, he and his beloved wife Erlene enjoyed many winters together in Florida. Ellis loved a good game of euchre, a round of golf, cheering on the Blue Jays and Maple Leafs, and above all, time spent with his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Saturday, October 18th from 1 – 2 PM, where Ellis’ funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Dr. Ross Wein
Condolance from Dr. Ross Wein, Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta, Edmonton.
I have just been alerted by my sister (Eleanor Wein Rader of Dashwood that my boyhood friend has passed away. Memories of Sharon School and South Huron District High School flooded back. We biked to Sharon and took the yellow bus to Exeter. We were known as the Grade Eleven twins since we hung out together. In Stephen Township were were farm boys who spent much time as fox hunters and fishers. We cycled everywhere before achieving our driver license. I think I still have gravel in my knees from skids on the rural gravel roads. To Erlene and families, thanks for a trip down memory lane!
The Dolmages
Our condolences to Erlene and family we were privileged to know and work with Ellis over his 20 years with us at the Dublin Elevator. Will never forget his big smile and easy way he could get along with everyone
Donna & Steve Lillie
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all. Big hugs
Richard & Sharon Van Hoffen
Our prayers are with you Erleen & family on the passing of Ellis, a sweet, gentle giant in his faith. We often speak of our special years down in Sunnybreeze Christian Fellowship, & especially back when you two were there in the park. We remember interviewing you for one of the beautiful Anniversary Banquets that were held … & you two were such good sports. We have wonderful memories of those days don’t we? Ellis will be remembered in many minds & hearts. May the Lord continue to bless you & give you added strength for the coming days. You can trust Him for His peace & comfort. Matthew 11:28-30. ~ Love & prayers, Richard & Sharon Van Hoffen
Wayne and Gerry Brunzlow
Sending our sincere condolences to the passing of your dad. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Earl and Marilyn Miller
Dear Erlene, Kim and Stewart family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of Ellis. May the Lord give you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Carol & Glenn
Our condolences to Erlene & family. May your faith, family & friends comfort you. Love & Prayers
Janet Kinsman Bilcke
Janet & John
Erlene, Kim, Brad & Brian
Im so sorry to hear of Ellis’s passing.
He was a sweet, kind man w a smile you cldnt forget. He was always a pleasure to deal with at the Dublin mill w our crops ❤️
Audrey and Mel Melick
Dear cousin Erlene and family,
We would like to express our sympathy on the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather, Ellis. May God give you strength and comfort as you go through this difficult time.
Laurene Zehr
My deepest sympathy to Erlene and her family.
Sincerely, Laurene Zehr
Margaret Brintnell
Erlene & family, Rodger & Charlene, Judy & Barry
Our Sympathy to you all once again at another sad time. Difficult time & week . Ellis was certainly a wonderful man & will be missed by family & friends. The Finkbeiner family & our family go back a lot of years. Good old days. Cherish all your memories.
Margaret Brintnell & Brad Wright
Terry. Tony & Joan Cull
Brad, Linda & Families
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Stewart’s passing. Know that we are thinking of you all during this most sad and difficult time. Please accept our condolences
Randall Moir
You guys were a riot back in the day. We had a lot of fun together. Your mom & dad were awesome, too. My sincere condolences on the recent loss of Ellis. He had a great sense of humor, just like you guys. Thinking of you.
Keith/Jean Koetsier
Deepest sympathy to you, Erlene and your family. We have fond memories of times spent together in Florida at Sunnybreeze. Love and prayers as you mourn your loss.
Theresa Finkbeiner
We are saddened by the loss of Ellis, brother-in-law and uncle, and take comfort in knowing he is at peace, reunited with those in our family who have gone before him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Erlene, Kim and Mike, Brad and Linda, Brian, and all their families.
Theresa and family
Sue Wilson
Erlene and family, Finkbeiner family, sincere condolences on your loss. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Allan & Claudia Oates
Deepest Condolences to Brad, Linda and Family.
Keep your memories close to your heart!!
Vicki Geoffrey
My deepest sympathy Erlene and Family, Ellis was such a sweet man , a man of few words, but always had a hello. His family has had a lot of heart ache in the past couple of years. Hold your memories close, my thoughts are with you all! ♥️
Jeff and Lorraine Forrester
Erlene, Kim, Brad, Brian and the entire families. We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jerry & Linda Traquair
Erlene, Kim, Brad, Brian and families,
Sincere condolences on your loss. Wishing you all peace and healing.
Mike and Beatie Rau
Erlene, Rodger and Charlene, our deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Mike and Beatie Rau
George Watson
Sincere sympathy to you Erlene and family, and Rodger and Charlene. This has been a hard week for all of you. Rest in peace Ellis.
Kathy Hayter
My deepest condolences to Roger and Charlene and all of Ellis family,remember to keep all your fun loving memories close to your heart ♥
Linda and Jim Ferguson
Sincere condolences.
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jacklyn Ferris
Kim Erlene Brad Brian and families so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing I have many memories of your dad and mom playing in the infamous playhouse that Kim had. We were all envious 😁 may he R.I.P. hugzzz to you all
Kevin and Andrea Bowman
Erlene and family;
Andrea and I send you our condolences with thoughts and prayers for your loss. We are glad we could see Ellis when up in Zurich, Aug 2024. We had a nice visit with him and he was in good spirits. We will miss him as so many others. We feel for your loss and know that true peace at times like these is always God’s hand upon us. I am so glad Ellis had his faith in Christ for Christ alone is our peace and rest with eternal hope in His promises. God Bless you all.
Mary Lou Erb
Deepest sympathy to Erlene
and her family , Love and Prayers 🙏
Michelle, Jarrett, & Dominic Jeffrey
We will miss you Uncle Ellis. He was greeted in heaven by so many loved ones. We have another angel to watch over our family.
Deb Curvelo
Dear cousin Erlene and all family,
So sorry to hear this sad news! Although I did not know Ellis very well, I always thought of him as a gentle soul and kind!
I’m sure you all will miss him very much!!
All my love to you as you grieve this loss.
May God give you the peace needed to bear this sorrow.
Deb (Bowman) and Rich Curvelo
Karen & Randy Stanlake
We first met Ellis when i lived across the street on Richmond St. N in Hensall. He was a good neighbour. Jen, so sorry for the loss of your grandpa.
Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Evelyn Vincent
Erlene and family and Ellis’s siblings and families
Sincere sympathy. Ellis was a good man and always had a smile. I’m sorry that I will be away and unable to attend the memorial. May God surround each of you with His peace, comfort and strength.
Christine Smith
My condolences to Erlene, Rodger and Charlene Finkbeiner and all of your families.
It was a pleasure to know Ellis and he always engaged in conversation whenever I spoke with him. He will be greatly missed by many at the Home. I am so sorry for your loss.
Suzette & Ron Heber
Our deepest condolences to Brad, Linda, Brandon, Jessica, Connor and families. Your Dad will be dearly missed, take comfort in all the cherished memories you have and hold them in your heart forever. May Ellis rest in peace.
Alma & Tony Dayman
Kim, Brad, Brian & families
Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.