Longtime Hudsonville Ice Cream Owner Denny Ellens Dies

Ellens, who led the company through a major growth phase, was 70 years old.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Dennis Ellens, the longtime owner and former CEO of Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Co., passed away on February 7 at the age of 70. Ellens had led the company through a significant expansion, including a $35 million investment in 2020 and a $65.7 million project in 2022 to grow the company's manufacturing and cold storage capacity.

Why it matters

Hudsonville Ice Cream is a prominent West Michigan business with deep roots in the community. Ellens was widely respected as a visionary leader who oversaw the company's growth and was actively engaged in supporting the local region.

The details

Ellens acquired Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Co. in 2003 and served as CEO until 2023, when he stepped down but remained on the company's board. Under his leadership, Hudsonville expanded its manufacturing and cold storage capabilities, enabling the company to grow its own brand as well as produce ice cream for national and regional brands. Ellens was known for his commitment to integrity, quality, and community involvement.

  • Ellens acquired Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Co. in 2003.
  • Ellens stepped down as CEO in 2023 but remained on the company's board.
  • Hudsonville underwent a $35 million expansion in 2020 and a $65.7 million project in 2022 to grow its manufacturing and cold storage capacity.

The players

Denny Ellens

The longtime owner and former CEO of Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Co., who passed away on February 7 at the age of 70.

Eileen Ellens

Denny Ellens' wife and the sister of former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

Tina Floyd

The current CEO of Hudsonville Ice Cream, who took over the role in 2023 and is leading a $40 million expansion project.

Jennifer Owens

The president of Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development agency for Ottawa and Allegan counties, who called Ellens a "true community champion".

Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Co.

The West Michigan-based ice cream company that Ellens acquired in 2003 and led through a significant growth phase.

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What they’re saying

“He deeply believed in building a business grounded in integrity, quality, and service to others, and he took great pride in the West Michigan community we call home. His impact will be felt for generations, and we will miss him dearly.”

— Ellens family (crainsgrandrapids.com)

“Denny was an incredible visionary leader who led with humility and a strong sense of responsibility to both Hudsonville Ice Cream and his community. He was admired by our team and an inspiration to so many who knew him. He will be greatly missed.”

— Tina Floyd, CEO, Hudsonville Ice Cream (crainsgrandrapids.com)

“My condolences go out to his family and the team at Hudsonville Ice Cream. He believed deeply that business leaders have a responsibility to give back and support their communities — not only through resources, but through active engagement in solutions that help chart a positive future for the Lakeshore region. His shoes will be impossible to fill, and his legacy will endure for generations. I hope Denny's example of going above and beyond in community engagement is carried forward by those who seek to honor his life and legacy.”

— Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage (crainsgrandrapids.com)

The takeaway

Denny Ellens' leadership and commitment to Hudsonville Ice Cream and the West Michigan community left a lasting impact that will continue to be felt for generations. His example of visionary, humble, and community-focused business leadership serves as an inspiration for other business leaders seeking to make a positive difference in their local regions.