Clyde E. Ellefson

Clyde Elroy Ellefson, 70, died Monday, January 2, at his home in Moorhead after a courageous battle with cancer. Clyde was born February 15, 1935, in Thief River Falls, to Clarence and Cora Kjos Ellefson. He grew up near Highlanding, Minnesota attending rural School District 47 of Pennington County. He graduated from high school in Goodridge, Minnesota. He enjoyed trapping and hunting from the time of early youth. Clyde was baptized and confirmed in Lutheran faith by Rev. E.O. Sabo, the grandfather of Darlene, who later became his wife. He married Darlene Sabo in Thief River Falls June 18, 1955. The couple lived the first few years in Aurora-Biwabik area where Clyde was employed as foreman at Foley Taconite Construction. In 1959 the family moved to Red Lake County where they resided for thirty-eight years. Clyde was employed as lead lineman of Otter Tail Power Company until 1997, and also farmed, raised Angora goats for mohair, served as deputy police of Red Lake Falls and sheriff deputy of Red Lake County on a part-time basis. He and Darlene owned and operated Ellefson's Shoes and Jeans in Peppermint Square Mall from 1977 to 1982. He and Darlene raised their family of five children and foster children while living at Red Lake Falls. Clyde served on the volunteer ambulance, was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #52 and served in various positions on the Bethany Lutheran Church Board and 6 1/2 years on the Red Lake Falls School Board. For many years he deer hunted in northern Minnesota and western states. He treasured these excursions with his hunting buddies and children. The family traveled and camped in various locations. Clyde enjoyed reading and the History Channel, his prime interest being World War II History. He enjoyed nature and watching the fruits of his labor in raising grain. He especially enjoyed being in company with his family. In 1997 the couple moved to Stony Bar Estates, rural Pelican Rapids. Clyde served as Trustee of Trinity Lutheran Church and as president of the Senior Center in Pelican Rapids. In 2000 they moved to Moorhead where they resided at the time of his death. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and served as trustee. Clyde was also an active volunteer for United Blood Services. Clyde was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents and granddaughter, Erin Ellefson. Clyde is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughters, Rhonda Ellefson, Fargo, ND; Valerie Ellefson, Moorhead; Shelly Steve Bethke, Fargo; and sons, Ryan Christine, Red Lake Falls and Randy Kara Ellefson, Hawley; grandchildren, Seth, Kurtis LeAnn, Cassandra, Nickolas, Benjamin and Mira Ellefson and Jenna and Jillian Bethke; great granddaughter, RyLee Ellefson; sister, Darleen Lindom of Thief River Falls, nieces Lana Tim Bulger and Sheryl Tim Danielson and nephews Alan Van de Streek Bonnie and Lyle Cecelia LaCoursiere.