Ellsworth Walter Viau

Ellsworth Walter Viau went to be with our Lord on January 24, 2024, at 1:00pm. He died peacefully surrounded by his wife Wilma and family, following a fierce battle with cancer in Avon Park, Florida.

Ellsworth was born September 7, 1930, to Walter and Loretta Viau (LaFeur) in Escanaba, Michigan. He married Marian Louise Viau (Kier); she preceded him in death following her own battle with cancer in 2010. Together they traveled and settled in Avon Park, Florida. Ozzie and Marian had three children, Terry(deceased), Bryan and Steve.

Ellsworth, known as Ozzie, served 21 years in the U.S. Armed forces, with a retired rank of CW2, having served in the Air Force, and Army from 1948 to 1969. Ozzie served in Korea and Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone. He was in communications and then became a criminal investigator and a polygraph examiner. Following the military, Ozzie enjoyed a distinguished career as a probation officer for Delta County District Court in Escanaba, Michigan.

After Marian's death, Ozzie met and fell in love with Wilma Duley, and they married, dividing their time between Avon Park, Florida and Vanderbilt, Michigan. They enjoyed sitting on their porch in the Summers in Michigan and watching the wildlife.

He was a kind and generous man who loved to help people in any means possible. He willingly shared his wisdom. He loved working with wood and enjoyed making wooden toys and marble boards. He was an avid Walleye Fisherman, and sportsman, catching and relocating squirrels and raccoons to keep them from the many bird feeders he supplied daily. He had a tender heart when it came to small children and even the most difficult would gravitate to him for candy or a hug.

He is survived by wife Wilma; Children Bryan(Bonnie) Viau, Steve Viau, Kay(Bill) Holborn, Don(Theresa)Robinson, Joy(Kevin) Brastrom and Grandchildren Emily Viau, B.J.(Jamie) Viau, Michelle(Louis)Rioux , Kris Holborn, Brent Holborn, Matthew(Jacqui)Robinson, Rachelle(Troy)Rife, Kellie(Jason)Roderick, Carolyn(Seth) TenBroeke, Kari Parks, Katie(Matthew)Leusby; Great GrandChildren Calvin Breen, Morgan Breen, Jett Viau, Harlin Lagueux, Heather Robinson, Antonio Bronold, Consuelo Garza, Kole Holborn, Lexus Holborn, Wyatt Holborn, Louie Rioux; Greyson Rife, Amyah Rife, Kayla Leppink, Jamie Leppink, Sophie Tenbroeke, Brooklynn Leusby, Payton Leusby, Cayson Parks, Kyler Parks, Jovi Roderick, Nori Roderick; Great Great GrandChildren Esme Garza, Hannah Rioux.

There will be a Celebration of Life in Avon Park, Florida on February 5, 2024 at 11:00am at Union Congregational Church in Avon Park and a luncheon following at the Clubhouse in Villa Del Sol, at 12:30pm, 1213 Bohland St., Avon Park, FL 33825, and a graveside service in the Spring in Escanaba, Michigan.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
111 E. Circle St.
Avon Park, FL  33825
Online condolences may be left at:
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com