Dennis (Denny) Ellefson

  Dennis Raymond Ellefson, 69, died Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Sanford Medical Center, in Fargo, ND, after fighting his third round of colon cancer. 

  Denny was born October 11, 1952, in Pipestone County, Pipestone, MN, the youngest and only boy born to Donald and Eldora Ellefson and grew up on a farm by Sherman, SD.  He was baptized and confirmed at Highland Lutheran Church, Sherman, SD.   Denny attended Highland 45 Country School until 7^th grade and then attended Jasper High School, Jasper, MN graduating in 1970. His nickname was Maya and had that name throughout high school.   He loved playing football in his high school years and often would tell stories relating to their games.  After graduation, Denny attended Canby Vocational School where his then known nickname was “Blue.”  He graduated with a two-year accounting degree.   Denny married his wife, Marlene, on September 29, 1973, and were married 48 ½ years. 

   He started working for Otter Tail Power Company in October 1972 in Milbank, SD as an accounting assistant.  Denny also held positions in Oakes, ND; Morris, MN; Fergus Falls, MN; and finally retiring in Jamestown, ND December of 2014, as area manager.  After retiring, he and Marlene spent their winters in Arizona where they met and had many wonderful friends.   He was very active in the communities where he worked serving on the Church Council, city council, Economic Development and was a member of Kiwanis, Optimist and Jaycees. Denny was very easy going, always had a joke, and tried to find the good in people.  Denny loved traveling, especially cruises, playing cards and woodworking.  When the boys were old enough, he took them on many memorable fishing and hunting trips. 

 He is survived by his wife, Marlene;  two boys,  who he loved and cherished:   Jesse of Fargo, ND and Jacob of Bemidji, MN; three sisters:  Diane Zellmer, Sioux Falls, SD; Mavis (Jerry) Remund, Pipestone, MN; and Charlotte Olesen, Sioux Falls, SD; many nieces and nephews.  After his father died in 1966, his mother, Eldora, married Menferd Monger who had five children of his own:  Kris (Steve) Frerk, Lynn (Duane) Yurek, Scott Monger, Tammi (Bill) Allcox, and a step-brother-in-law, Keith Matthiesen.  Denny and Menferd spent many hours together discussing farm issues and going on trips.  

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Donald, and Eldora and step-sister:  Sondra Matthiesen.   

Celebration of Life:  11 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Atonement Lutheran Church in Fargo.

Visitation:  An hour before the service

Denny's service may be viewed:  atonement.live     or    youtube atonementfargo

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhom.com

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