BONITA SPRINGS, FL - Joseph Peter Ennis, age 93 years, of Bonita Springs, FL and formerly of Union Center, WI, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Vitas Hospice. He began wintering in Bonita Springs in 1994 before making it his permanent home for the past 10 years.
Joe was born April 1, 1928 in Wonewoc, WI a son of the late Peter and Pauline (Gardner) Ennis. Mr. Ennis was a Veteran of the United States Navy. He owned and operated Joe’s Bar with locations in Union Center and Wonewoc before leaving the bar business to establish Garden City Motel in Union Center. Joe was known as the “Tater King,” as he transported 50 pound bags of potatoes from Wisconsin Rapids to sell to his community.
He was a devout Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe loved big band music and dancing and he enjoyed boating, fishing and cruises. Joe was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Notre Dame Football. As a classic car enthusiast, Joe restored and cherished his 1931 Ford Model A. Most of all, Joe loved his family that extended far and wide.
Survivors include his loving children, Pamela (John) Buttner of Mauston, WI, Patricia Murphy of Bonita Springs, FL and Peter (Heather) Ennis of Fort Myers, FL; brother, John (Charlene) Ennis of Elroy, WI; sisters, Susan Thompson of Mauston, WI, Edith Martin of Springfield, IL; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and longtime girlfriend, Louise Mihalic.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Beverly, Irene, Esther, Donald and Thomas.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, September 13, 2021 at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail So., Bonita Springs, FL 34134. A Vigil Service will begin at 7:00 PM.
Visitation will also be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 110 Spring Street, Elroy, WI 53929. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the start of the Mass.
He will be laid to rest at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cemetery in Union Center, WI. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at the Legion Hall in Wonewoc, WI to continue the celebration of Joe’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to St. Theresa PEA Fund, P.O. Box 69, Union Center, WI 53962.
The Shikany Funeral Home www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com and the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Picha Funeral Home
