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Michael Ellefson, 89, of Hettinger, ND, passed away peacefully at Western Horizons Living Center in the morning hours of February 21, 2025.

Service of Remembrance for Mike will be Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. MT at the Hettinger Lutheran Church.  Rev. Galen Strand will officiate and burial with Full Military Honors will follow at the Hettinger Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 27, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Gathering of Family and Friends at 6:00 p.m., all at the Centennial Chapel of Evanson Jensen Funeral Homes in Hettinger.

Michael John Ellefson was born August 18, 1935, to Dr. Leonard and Twila Belle (Shelkey) Ellefson at their home in Hettinger, ND.  He was the 4th oldest of the 7 Ellefson children.

Mike grew up in Hettinger and was active in the Boy Scouts and the Lutheran Church. He attended Hettinger Public School, being an athletic young man competing in basketball and track.

While in school, he met the love of his life, Judy Snyder.  Mike and Judy enjoyed their time at Hettinger High School and made many life-long lasting friendships with their schoolmates.

After graduating in 1954, Mike enlisted in the Airforce becoming an Accounts Specialist and was stationed at the air base on Iwo Jima in the South Pacific.  During this time, he took advantage of his leave and visited Japan.  He sent back to the States beautiful gifts for his mother and Judy, including a full set of China dishes.

Upon completion of his military service, Mike and Judy were married in a double ceremony with Judy's sister, Jane and George Bjerke at the Hettinger Lutheran Church on August 17, 1958. The four newlyweds honeymooned together in the Black Hills.

Mike and Judy began their life together in Denver, CO where Mike attended the University of Denver.  He eventually started working in sales and in 1967, Mike was transferred to Memphis.  They traveled during this time and met a lot of interesting people.  Mike even had coffee one morning with Elvis' father. Mike was then transferred with RJR Tobacco Company to Columbus, Ohio in 1969.  They began their family with the arrival of Jill in 1971, followed later by Kristen in 1973. Upon the death of Judy's father, the family returned to Hettinger and Mike transferred with RJR to the Dakotas.  He continued to work with RJR, having a large sales territory, traveling during the week and returning to Hettinger on the weekends.  He retired in 1989.

"Retirement" was a busy time for Mike.  He joined Walby Funeral Chapel, later Evenson-Jensen Funeral Home as an assistant and truthfully, found his calling.  The work around the funeral home was very fulfilling for him and he appreciated the respectful, ceremonial aspect of the funeral services along with the tasks of cleaning and washing vehicles.  Mike and Judy became dual Sextons of the Hettinger Cemetery. Mike was very devoted to the cemetery, feeling that he and Judy's efforts were an investment in the history of Hettinger.

Mike also purchased a gas station, calling it Cowboy Service. Mike, Judy and Kristen ran the station together for quite a few years. It was work that Mike enjoyed and it was another way that he could be "out and about" in Hettinger.

Mike proudly served as County Commissioner for Adams County. He was an active member of Hettinger Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 115, 40/8 and the Eagles, to name a few. He was honored in 2019 with a Selective Service Medal for 20 years as a volunteer Board Member.  He also joined an Iwo Jima Veteran service organization known as the Black Pearls. Mike and Judy made wonderful new friends through the Black Pearls and enjoyed their reunions immensely.

During Mike's free time, you would see him walking around Hettinger in his khaki shorts and pink sweatshirt.  When the pink faded, he would wash his sweatshirts with a red sock to freshen the color! He tried to never miss coffee downtown and loved socializing more than anything else. He always had a story to share!

Mike adored his family cherishing family traditions and gatherings. The 4th of July was a favorite time when his sisters, brothers and all the Ellefson grandchildren would gather in Hettinger.  He took great pride marching in the annual parade with his fellow Legionnaires and he loved fireworks.

He was a wonderful and supportive father and doted on his girls and eventually his grand and great grandchildren.  He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and devotion to his faith, country and community.

He is survived by his daughters, Jill Carter and her fiancé, Joe (Bismarck, ND), Kristen Ellefson (Fargo, ND); grandchildren, Megan Ruen and husband Austin Broder (Fargo, ND), Madison Glass and husband, Ryan (Lincoln, ND), Bodie Kent (Fargo, ND); great-grandchildren, Chase and Bennett Glass; sister, Annette Reents (Loveland, CO); brother-in-law, Paul Wagner (Mandan, ND); sister-in-law, Pat Ellefson (Murphy, NC); numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 48 years, Judy; brothers, Edward and Franklin; sisters and brothers-in law, Dona and "Bud" Severson, Janice and George Monroe, Anita Wagner, Jerry Reents; sister-in law and brother-in law, Jane and George Bjerke and great-granddaughter, Lucy Mae Ruen.

Mike's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Western Horizons Living Center for the compassionate and loving care they provided for Mike.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to The American Legion Post 115, Hettinger Lutheran Church and the Western Horizons Living Center Activity Fund.