Trueman Ellsworth “El” Felton

T. Ellsworth “El” Felton, 91, passed away peacefully at Friendly Village Nursing Home on October 11, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

El is survived by his wife, Lauren; his sons, Douglas (Lianne); Steven (Hang); and Paul; granddaughter, Molly; niece, Tari; and a nephew, Winston; and many friends and other relatives.

El was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gwelda; and brother-in-law, Winston.

El graduated from Bruce High School in 1953, in Bruce, Wisconsin, and graduated from Stout University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial education.

In the 1960’s, El was co-owner of an independent automotive garage and co-owner of a radiator and air conditioning service in Owasso, Michigan. He owned Little Red Car Wash in Rhinelander from 1973 until 2004. He was an automotive instructor at Nicolet College for 20 years before retiring in 1995. He enjoyed teaching and attended many professional development/training conferences and seminars to stay current with automotive technology; and in 1994, he received the Faculty Recognition Award for outstanding performance in teaching and learning in a technical college.

El had a passion for reading, traveling, and boating and created a houseboat for camping on land and water. He was an exceptional listener with a great sense of humor. His love, friendship, and overall presence are deeply missed.

Thank you to our health care staff in the memory care unit at Friendly Village for the great care for El and our family.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501, 715-365-4343.