Obituary of David Frank Ellenz

David F. Ellenz

09/09/1956 - 02/24/24

David F. Ellenz (Dave), 67 of Washougal, WA passed away on February 24, 2024 in Camas, WA. 

Dave was born in Vancouver, WA to Donald and Jean Ellenz on September 9, 1956. He attended Washougal High School and graduated in 1974. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University. 

Dave was the loving husband of Debbie (Rowen), whom he married at Zion Lutheran Church in Camas, WA in April 1986.  They had 37 beautiful years together full of loving memories of family and wonderful friends.  They were blessed with a daughter, Kathleen Ellenz Trammell and her husband Blake Trammell, and granddaughter Linnea Trammell. He is also survived by his sister Donna Ellenz and niece Kendra Cochran. His family meant the world to him, spending time with them was the highlight of his life. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Jean Ellenz, brother Brian Ellenz. 

He began his career working for Crown Zellerbach Camas Mill in 1979 as an engineer, worked in the North Portland operation and then on to the NonWoven plant Washougal & Simpsonville, South Carolina. He returned to the Washougal plant as Plant Manager.  He worked for Jacobs Engineering as a project manager before working in Saudi Arabia as Vice President of Operations for Saudi German Nonwoven for 8 years.  He retired in 2017.  

Dave was an avid traveler (especially cruising). He loved boating, gardening, craft beers and was a huge sports spectator - Formula 1, Nascar racing, football - College and Pro.  He was a die hard Coug fan, often seen wearing his Cougar hat. Dave was also a big lover of animals, known for rescuing cats all over the world & finding homes for them.   

Please join us in a Celebration of his life on May 5, 2024 from 3PM to 6PM at 54 40 Beer (3901 S Truman Street, Washougal, WA). This event will be held open house style, feel free to drop by at any time during the Celebration - no service or program is planned. We are asking people to wear their Coug Colors (Crimson & Gray) in honor of Dave's love of his Washington State Cougars. 

Memorial donations may be made to WCGHS (West Columbia Gorge Humane Society) or Alzheimer's Association in Dave's honor.