John Ely
Mr. Ely was an inspiration. Even though he had more friends than anyone can count, he took the time to welcome new people into his orbit and share with them all he knew.
Mary Sharp
Cedar Rapids
IA
To Martha and the rest of Mr. Ely's family- I was so sorry to read of your father's death. I remember him as a very special person, always willing to talk about what he believed in. I know he will be missed by all who knew and worked with him. Sincerely, Margaret Arnold Contard
Margaret Arnold Contard
Liverpool
NY
Polly and Family, What a huge loss. I was friends with Butchie Charles and John Thomas and was a frequent visitor, and always felt welcome and a part of the good times and discussions going on in the home. Those memories are priceless to me. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Gay Neff Dallas, TX
Gay Neff
Dallas
TX
I did not know Mr. Ely, except via the newspapers, and by knowledge of the family's role in Iowa history. I did work with John III and have great respect for him, both as a person and technical person. So, I want to express my sympathy for this loss to your family. I would not have heard of this loss except for receiving notice of the death of Denny Ferry, below. Please accept my condolences, John and family.
Bruce McGovern
Puebla, Pue. Mexico
IA
Mexico
Polly: What a joy it was to see you and John visit us at the YMCA. John always had a kind word for me and he was so great to talk with on a variety of subjects. We will all miss him very much
Mike Condon
Cedar Rapids
IA
Polly, John possessed so many admirable qualities that it is difficult to mention them all. I particularly admired his enthusiasm, humor, curiosity, and analytical skills. However, the thing that I admired most was his indefatigable spirit. John didn't win all of the "good fights" in which he participated, but he always carried away a lesson for next time. Our community has lost a great friend and role model.
Marilyn Langhurst
Cedar Rapids
IA
Our family will always connect the Elys with the sweetness and energy of children. Your house was a stop on one of the Baumert Christmas treasure hunts--our daughters remembered that when we told them of John's passing. At a district conference that Peoples sponsored at the old Holiday Inn, John was napping in a room that kids burst into for their swimming pool gear. They were excited and talking a mile a minute, not realizing John was on the bed. He just smiled and welcomed everyone in, saying this is what church gatherings are all about. No one loved ice cream at church potlucks more than he did!
Lynn and Harry Baumert
Marion
IA
Dear Polly, It was a pleasure speaking with you and learning about John. I am posting the information about John's death and also his life for the Ethical Society Without Walls www.eswow.org. Here is what I am sharing with them: ESWoW Member John Ely Dies John Ely, a member of the Ethical Society Without Walls died at the age of 88 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I believe he had been a member of the Iowa Ethical Union, but I'm not entirely sure. I spoke to John's widow, Polly and while I was saddened to hear of his death, I was heartened to learn more about John. What I learned from Polly was that John lived his life in a truly ethical manner. He had been a state legislator, and in that role was most known for his opposition to the death penalty. His obituary tells us: "As a state legislator, Ely witnessed the last execution carried out by the state when it hanged Victor Harry Feguer in 1963. It took until 1965 to repeal Iowa's death penalty statute, thanks in part to Ely's first-person account." He was active on many other social justice issues. You can learn more by reading John's obituary in the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Polly told me that John was very active until the end of his life. She also shared that he was "sprightly and funny and upbeat." She was happy for me to share this information with ESWoW. You can also learn more about John and leave a message for his family at Cedar Memorial. I'm sad that I never knew John. If you did, I'd be so pleased if you would share your memories with us. I again offer my sympathies and my admiration for the highly ethical life your husband lived.
Susan Rose Teshu
Cambridge
MA
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I am always saddened when someone dies, although they are at peace, we still miss them very much. Jesus Wept just before he resurrected Lazarus. What comforts me the most is the promises Jesus made of a resurrection john 11:25 and of Seeing them again and Living Forever with our loved ones, in Paradise John 3:16,36; Psalm 37:29 luke 23:43. What also comforts me is that these promises may also comfort your family as well. “Blessed are those who mourn, since they will be comforted” math5:40; 2Cor1:3,4. Dan Danza dsd2@netzero.com disabled veteran, USMC
Dan Danza
cotton
MN
John Thank you for all you provided during your time with us; opportunity, shelter and understanding. May god bless you and your family and grant you peace. . . The toys and blocks with which we play, Are houses, lands and gold. Their values quickly pass away, As does a tale that's told. But kindly, gracious deeds abide, Their wealth will not depart; Their flowers of joy are multiplied In gardens of the heart. - Charles Russell Wakeley