Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Age 56
Matt Ellefson was the epitome of what it means to live a purpose-driven life. His work, words, and living example have impacted thousands of people across the world. He has left two lasting legacies: His family and SURVIVEiT.
Matt’s carefully chosen words captivated everyone in his presence. People listened to Matt, a man of meaning and integrity. He made quick, meaningful, and lasting friendships wherever he went. He was fiercely loyal to his friends, staying when others may walk away.
A fighter in every sense of the word, Matt faced his cancer diagnosis head-on, with strength, faith, focus, and fearlessness. Matt’s cancer diagnosis created an opportunity for him to become the man he was born to be. He was a fearless innovator and advocate, shepherd and faithful servant, and just simply the most inspirational guy we knew.
Matt Ellefson made “every day count” and truly felt that every day was “a great day to be alive!” He traveled the world when he felt well and mentored others facing cancer when he didn’t.
Matt believed that the best way to get through your worst of times is to help someone else get through theirs. And he lived that every single day.
His smile, his laugh, his hugs, and his outrageous stories will be deeply missed.
Papa, Pops, Rockstar, Moth, Brother, Uncle Matt, Mr. Twinkly Eyes, Son, Bestest Buddy, My Love, Matt: We are so proud of you. You’ve made us better people. We are more compassionate, generous, grateful, and brave because of you.
Rest well, Matt. You’ve been a good and faithful servant.
Matt Ellefson, of Sioux Falls, SD, was born on April 10th, 1962. He found rest in the arms of Jesus on November 29th, 2018, at the age of 56. He is survived by wife and partner, Melissa; the “big kids” Jake Ellefson (Alex) and Amanda Ellefson Bohl (Aidan); the “little kids” Caleb, Meg, and Sam Rector; granddaughters Evelyn and Bryn Bohl; grandson Henry Ellefson; and his beloved dogs, Jax and Lola.
Matt is also survived by his parents, Robert and Glenda Ellefson of Mitchell, SD; sister Nancy Ellefson of Tomball, TX; brother Max Ellefson (Sandy), of Mitchell, SD; sister Sandy Hanson (Kenny) of Spirit Lake, IA; sister Andrea Hart (Troy) of Mitchell, SD; and countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.
Matt was kind enough to share his story with us at Patient Resource and, in turn, it helped many people diagnosed with and affected by lung cancer. We very much appreciated his contribution. Our sincere condolences to Matt's family.
Dana Campbell
May 03, 2019 | Overland Park, KS | Acquaintance
R.I.P Matt
Linda Jessen(Sexton)
January 06, 2019 | Salvisa, KY | Friend
Melissa,
Very sorry to hear about Matt. Our prayers are with you. May God's mercy and grace be with you.
Sincere Condolences,
Mike and Karla Nieman
December 08, 2018
Hi. Melissa. We weren't able to make it to Matt's service Monday but wanted you to know how sad and yet grateful we are for having known Matt. He was special as I found out as I first met him.
How you must miss him and his positive attitude. You were a blessing to him with all the caretaking you did for him these past years. Your life was dedicated to making him as well as could possibly be thru diet and exercise. My sympathy is with you and your family. Matt is at peace and rejoicing in...
Wilma Wrede
December 05, 2018 | OSAKIS, MN | Friend
What a wonderful inspiration Matt and his family & friends have been and will continue to be for so many.
Michael Huber
December 04, 2018 | Sioux Falls, SD | Acquaintance
Matthew was the closest you will ever be to Jesus here on earth. I Love You Matt!! Your spirit Lives
Lois Green
December 04, 2018 | East Greenbush, NY | Friend
It was a privilege to get to know Matt over the last several years through our combined work with Avera's cancer program. Matt taught me many things about life and faith that I will carry with me going forward. Matt's legacy as an advocate for those with cancer will live on through the work he did during his short time with us. I hope Matt's family is able to find peace during this difficult time. God Bless.
Bradley Beck
December 03, 2018 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
I read some time ago from an author I cannot remember, that God gathers the Good Ones in early. Matt was certainly one of the Good Ones, and I wish I had known him much longer than I did. He will be sorely missed, but I am confident in my Faith, as he was in his, that he is at peace, and in a better place. God Bless you during this difficult time, and all the wonderful memories you have of Matt.
Robert Nelson
December 03, 2018 | Brandon, SD | Friend
I met him at one of my granddaughter's graduation parties and admired how he lived and fought cancer with dignity and faith. My sympathy to the family in the days to come.
Marlene Breukelman-Daale
December 03, 2018 | Hawarden, IA | Acquaintance