A dedicated public servant from area, whose impact on our state will not soon be forgotten, passes at 77.

NEENAH, WI - Mike Ellis, a man who spent more than forty years of his life dedicated to Wisconsin politics, passed away Friday morning a family member told Action 2 News.

He served from 1970 until 2014 in the Legislature, a tenure that spanned eight governors and began when current Gov. Scott Walker was just 3 years old.

“Wisconsin’s legislature has seen many greats, but the passing of Mike Ellis is a terrible loss," said Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Martha Laning on hearing the news. "He was a passionate advocate and leader for the people of the Fox Valley through and through. Our thoughts and condolences are with Mike’s family, friends and loved ones."

“I am saddened to hear of Senator Ellis’s passing," said former Senate colleague Dave Hansen of Green Bay. “While we did not always agree, I enjoyed working with him. He possessed a great institutional memory, had a very quick wit and was an extremely skilled debater. He was also a dedicated public servant whose impact on our state will not soon be forgotten.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Ellis’s family during this difficult time,” concludes Hansen.