MILFORD – Ellis Tank Risner, 61, of Syracuse, passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, at Goshen Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer after being diagnosed in November.
Tank was born June 10, 1959, in Chicago, Ill., to Ellis Tank Sr. and Mertyle Bell Butler. He married Jennifer Fugate; she survives.
Tank graduated from North Judson San Pierre High School, where he was a talented cross country runner and basketball player. He enlisted in the United States Army, where he was a helicopter mechanic and worked for many years in the mobile home and RV industries. He enjoyed golf, fishing, camping and working on and fixing just about anything. He was a masterful storyteller and enjoyed watching Dale Earnhardt and Notre Dame football.
Tank is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jennifer; two sons, Jonathan and Benjamin Risner, both of Syracuse; and a grandson, Aiden James Taylor Davis, of Rochester. Also surviving are a sister, Shirley Luttrell, of Plymouth; three brothers: Frank Risner, of Rensselaer; Roger Risner, of Rochester; and Chuck (Sharon) Risner, of Granger; and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rachel Spence; and a brother, James Risner.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 461 W. CR 900N, Milford. Cremation will follow. Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ellis Risner.
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Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mishlerfhcc.com.
