Margie Ellefson

Our Mom, Margie Ellefson, passed away peacefully January 22, 2025 at age 93.
Mom was born in Hudson, Wisconsin and was one of ten children. At age 5 she was placed in a foster home and cared for by Dena Wessels, a WWI widow in River Falls, whom she called Mom. She flourished in River Falls having many friends, most likely due to her vivacious character. Her nickname was “Zippy” because she was always on the go. Dena ran a boarding house at the time Mom met our dad, Jerry, when she was a senior at River Falls High. They were married right after her graduation in 1950, and he remained the love of her life until his passing in 2021.
Shortly after they married, Dad joined the Air Force and she moved into married housing in San Antonio. Despite the heat, no AC, and scorpions, they had a happy life together. This is where they adopted their first cat, one of many to come. Mom loved and took care of kitties all her life. In 1955, Jerry was accepted to UW Madison and that became their next adventure.

In Madison, they had two children, Sonja and Heidi, which they welcomed most joyously. It was penny-pinching times but also very happy times. After graduation, Dad got a job in Appleton, WI and they bought their first house and shortly after, Jerry Jon was born. This was the family they hoped for, cared for, loved, and encouraged for the rest of their lives.

Mom was always supportive of Dad as his career took off. She chose his professional attire like a personal stylist and threw parties like a fancy caterer and she relished every minute. She loved his support and he loved having her by his side. He attributed much of his success to her class and taste.

As the kids grew older Mom decided to go back to school and became a medical transcriptionist. She was the fastest transcriber in the pool and loved the medical field. It was also at this time Mom fearlessly learned to ski. She especially loved their annual ski trips to Vail, Colorado with family. She was always athletic and took to skiing easily, continuing until she was about 80.

Eventually they retired and moved to Colfax Wisconsin, building a lovely house in the woods. Mom cleared trails, canoed, hiked and had boundless energy for fun and laughter. They were thrilled to be closer to Heidi’s family and grandkids who visited often. They also enjoyed so many trips to see relatives and their families nearby. With any hint of an activity, Mom would say “Let’s GO!” and off they went.

One of Mom’s favorite places was the family cabin on the Namekagon river. She loved the quiet peacefulness of the land and was an avid canoer. Our family spent many good times all year round at the cabin, learning we could get along without electricity or indoor plumbing. She could whip up a batch of the best pancakes before we went off on some adventure. She spent many hours seeking out wildflowers for the table. When she spotted a lady slipper, that made her day.

In 2007 they decided to move to Hudson, where being close enough to Heidi’s family, so they could drop in anytime, was so fulfilling. They often hosted family and friends and loved the restaurants nearby.

Mom will always be remembered for her sense of humor, for sharing bouts of laughter so hard at the silliest things that we would have to sit down. She was interested in everything and everyone. And frequently people made her laugh. Her personal motto was to ‘Be Joyful’ and she is remembered for that happy disposition. Despite a rough start in life, Mom was resilient. If one can have a perfect blend of tough and kind, steadfast and lively, that is our Mom.

Mom will be deeply missed by her children Sonja and husband Larry, Heidi and husband Dag, Jerry and wife Donna, their four grandchildren, DagOlav (Jade), Bjorn (Sarah), Alex (Annie), and Nick (Nia) and six great grandchildren. Her family was the greatest joy and blessing of her life and she brought so much laughter and love to ours.

Visitation 10-11 AM with 11 AM Memorial Service Saturday April 26 at Bethel Lutheran Church–Highlands Campus, Hudson. Private Burial in Ridgeland, Wisconsin.