Dominic "Mickey" Joseph Ellis, Sr.

Dominic “Mickey” Joseph Ellis, Sr., 82, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 17, 2025, surrounded by family.

Mickey was born December 12,1942, to Samuel R. and Julia M. (née Cataldo) Ellis. He grew up on the Southside and attended Lincoln High School. After serving in the United States Air Force from 1963-1967, he met his first wife Karen Walker, and had two sons, Dominic Joseph (“Nick”), Ellis Jr. and Daniel Riley Ellis.

Mickey worked fourteen years in the movie industry where he met his loving wife of 36 years, Lori (née Osterson). In 1996, Mickey and Lori purchased American Awards where they worked for 24 years. He was most proud of being a small-business owner making recognition awards for the greater Des Moines community.

In his free time, Mickey enjoyed fishing with his best friend “Smitty” and their “Hoppy” trips to Ohio, bowling, golfing, and woodworking. He and Lori enjoyed their vacations to South Dakota, Colorado, Las Vegas, Oregon, Minnesota and Wisconsin Dells. In his retirement, he authored two books, “Planet Veggie” and “Bean, Little Dog Lost.” He enjoyed watching westerns, Perry Mason, Matlock, any judge show, Married with Children, and Two and a Half Men. He mostly enjoyed spending time with Lori, family and friends.

Mickey is survived by the love of his life, Lori; Sons Nick (Jessi) Ellis, Daniel (Amee) Ellis; Granddaughters Danielle (Jacob) Mace, Cloe (Michael) Wollweber; Great-Grandson Luka Wollweber; Sisters Vicky Jasper, Rosie (Roger) Dougherty, Julie (Bill) Konkol; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Brothers John R., John J., and Samuel R. Ellis, Jr.; Sisters Mary Jo Buhl, Betty Phillips; and his best friend Dennis “Smitty” Smith.

The family wishes to thank Mickey’s caregivers, Lisa and Selene, from Wesley Life Hospice.

To Mickey, my love, “See ya later alligator, after ‘while crocodile.” —Lori

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with Military Honors presented at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Mickey.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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