Joe Anthony Ell

Loving husband, father, and grandfather, Joe Ell, 62, of Sun Prairie, WI, passed away at home on Monday, July 1st, after a short illness. Joe Ell was born June 13, 1962 to Jack and Jean Ell in Grand Forks, ND. Joe spent his childhood in Grand Forks with his family, graduating from Red River High School in 1981, and attending the University of North Dakota. Joe graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from UND. During his time at UND, Joe met the love of his life, Alana. Joe and Alana were married May 21st, 1988. The two moved to Wisconsin for their careers and to start a family. Joe and Alana have two children, Eric and Rachel.

Joe spent his career as an engineer, in a variety of positions, working for Wisconsin Power and Light, later Alliant Energy. Joe retired in March of 2022 from Alliant Energy after spending more than 30 years with the company. In his retirement, Joe continued to provide consulting services, spent time on his hobbies, and relaxing on his deck, when he wasn’t spending time with his family.

Joe had many hobbies that he enjoyed throughout his life, including photography, camping, and especially woodworking, creating beautiful pieces of art his family and friends will cherish for a lifetime. Joe spent much of his time doing home improvement projects, for his own home and the homes of family and friends. You’d often find him making design plans, one aspect of projects he loved. Joe had a love for travel, taking Alana and his children on many trips. Joe and Alana were Disney Vacation Club Members for 22 years. The memories spent as a family in Disney World are among the happiest of times. Joe often joked that his retirement plan was selling popcorn on Main Street in Disney World.

Joe deeply loved his wife and two children, and was a kind, charismatic husband and father, who was willing to help anyone when they needed him. Joe was a Christian his entire life. In 2021, Joe became a grandfather for the first time and he was the absolute best papa. Joe found happiness in the simple times with his grandkids; getting ice cream, going to the zoo, and playing at the park. His grandkids became one of his greatest joys in life.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents. Joe is survived by his wife, Alana Busch-Ell of 36 years; his children Eric (Ellyn) Ell and their son Luke, Rachel (Kyle) Lettner and their daughter Evelyn; his brothers: Mike (Tori), Tom (Barb), Jim (Judy) and Steve (Stacy); sisters: Laurie (Steve) and Barb; his aunts, and many nieces and nephews. Joe will be greatly missed by many.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054