Carol J. Ellefson

Obituary

Carol Jean Ellefson was born on August 13, 1942, in Garretson, South Dakota. She was the daughter of Libni and Virginia (Klungness) Hermanson. Carol was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth at Norway Lutheran Church in Garretson, South Dakota.  She received her education in Garretson, and was a graduate of the Garretson Public School Class of 1960. Carol attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and received an accounting degree.

On May 5, 1962, Carol was united in marriage to Richard Ellefson at Norway Lutheran Church in Garretson. This marriage was blessed with three sons, Richard Jr., Michael, and Timothy. Carol and Richard resided in Monroe, South Dakota, and then moved to Leola, South Dakota. They shared 37 years of marriage together until Richard passed away on December 10, 1999. In 2008, they moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota.

Carol was employed at Leola Bakery as a baker’s helper, Golden Living Center in Ipswich, South Dakota as an assistant activity director, Terminal Grain Corporation in Parker, South Dakota as a bookkeeper, Good Samaritan in Tyndall, South Dakota as a nurse’s aide, and Luther Manor, Olaf Tuntland Commission Firm, and Farmers Union Commission Firm all in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as a bookkeeper. She retired in 2011.

Carol was a member of Christ the King Church in Hutchinson where she served with the LWML (Lutheran Women Missionary League). She was also a member of the Disco Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Leola Senior Citizens, Leola Razzle Dazzle Red Hatters, the Hutchinson Red Hat Society, and two bridge clubs; pinochle and dominos.   

Carol enjoyed playing cards, fishing, making Lefse, and going to the cabin on the Missouri River. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. Carol loved going to watch her grandchildren’s sports. She was the #1 fan for the Hutchinson High School Girls Basketball Team.

When Carol needed assistance with her daily needs, she moved to the Oaks in Hutchinson on January 13, 2017. Carol passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 74 years.

She will be dearly missed.  Blessed be her memory.

Carol is survived by her:
Sons, Richard “Rick Ellefson Jr. and his wife, Peg, of Castle Rock, CO,
          Michael Ellefson and his wife, Kim, of Hartford, SD,
          Timothy Ellefson and his wife, Lisa, of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Erica and Annika Ellefson;
Brother, Gary Hermanson of Garretson, SD;
Many other relatives and friends.

Carol is preceded in death by her Parents, Libni and Virginia Hermanson, Husband, Richard Ellefson, and Sister-in-law, Barb Hermanson.