Ellinger Dairy was owned by Clarence William Ellinger, who was born on December 11, 1896, in Chicago. He married Kathryn Garwood (1905–1989) on November 10, 1927, in La Porte, Indiana.

The 1910 U.S. Census lists him residing in Berrien County, Michigan. His World War I draft registration places him on Rural Route No. 7 near La Porte. By the 1930 U.S. Census, he is listed as a farmer, and his 1942 World War II draft registration identifies his occupation specifically as a dairy owner.

A notice in the “Auction Sales” section of the January 10, 1953 issue of The South Bend Tribune provides clear documentation of the end of his dairy operation. The notice states: “Having to quit the dairy business, I will sell at public auction at my place of residence, two miles north of La Porte, Indiana, on State Road 39, farm known as the Ellinger Dairy Farm.” The auction listing included extensive dairy and farm equipment along with numerous Guernsey cows.

Ellinger’s obituary, published in The South Bend Tribune on November 20, 1985, lists his residence as 1539 Weller Avenue in La Porte and states that he owned and operated the Ellinger Dairy for 22 years, retiring in 1953. Based on this information, the dairy business likely began around 1931.

Clarence William Ellinger died on November 19, 1985, and is buried in Door Village Cemetery in La Porte.