Dwayne Alan Ellrich

Dwayne Alan Ellrich, 74, of Rensselaer, Indiana, passed away on October 28, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Taylorville, Illinois on September 30, 1948 to Harold and Florence Ellrich. He grew up in Taylorville, later moving to Lafayette in grade school and graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1967. He attended Purdue University and later served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968-1970 as part of the Alpha Company 1st Battalion (Black Scarves), 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One) receiving the Army Commendation Medal with V device for heroism and valor during fierce military operations at the Battle of Quan Loi. Dwayne was also awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding service to the United States in Vietnam. Following his military service Dwayne spent many years in sales and in the transportation industry as an Operations Manager, retiring from Caterpillar in 2014. He was a hard-working, dedicated family man who enjoyed spending his time with his family, grandchildren and extended family and did so at any opportunity. A hilariously witty and fun-loving brother, father, uncle, husband and grandpa, he will be remembered by all for his spontaneous quick wit and huge heart for his family and friends. Dwayne was an avid Purdue Boilermaker fan, and he loved watching and attending Purdue football and basketball games, instilling a deep family Purdue tradition that continues today. He also loved the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” attending the Indianapolis 500 with family and friends and he recently was able to fulfill a “bucket list” dream of riding in an IndyCar around the famed track. A childhood love of the New York Yankees and Mickey Mantle lasted a lifetime. Dwayne was a longtime supporter and volunteer with the Special Olympics of Indiana, attending and supporting all of the athletes at various local and state competitions, including his most favorite activity, watching his daughter Ashley compete. He also enjoyed golf, fishing, playing washoos with his family and cheering on his grandchildren at their swim meets. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold R. and Florence C. Ellrich. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth J. Ellrich of Rensselaer, Indiana, whom he married on January 5th, 1983; a sister, Janice (Tab) Gebhard of Lafayette, Indiana, and brother Roy (Michelle) Ellrich of Lafayette, Indiana. He is also survived by 5 children; Tammy Morgan (Ted) of Columbus, GA; Michael Ellrich of Atlanta, GA; Amy Hinshaw (Mark) of Zionsville, Indiana; Andrew Mackey (Shauna) of San Diego, CA; and Ashley Ellrich of Rensselaer, Indiana and four grandchildren; Belle, Brady, Kaeden and Kalaeh, along with many nephews and nieces whom he loved and adored. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 10:30 AM CT at Memory Gardens of Rensselaer with full military rites. Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer has been entrusted with the cremation arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics of Tippecanoe County.

Dwayne Alan Ellrich

September 30, 1948 - October 28, 2022