Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
4800 S Minnesota Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Matt Ellefson Obituary
Sioux Falls - 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.
A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 5:00 pm on Monday, December 3, 2018 at Embrace Church, 2800 East 57th Street, Sioux Falls. The family requests no flowers and memorials be directed to SURVIVEIT or the family. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.heritagesfsd.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matt Ellefson
Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls.
Dana Campbell
May 3, 2019
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.
Linda Jessen(Sexton)
January 6, 2019
R.I.P Matt
December 8, 2018
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
Wilma Wrede
December 5, 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 Heaven as I write this. Continued blessings to you.
Michael Huber
December 4, 2018
What a wonderful inspiration Matt and his family & friends have been and will continue to be for so many.
Lois Green
December 4, 2018
Matthew was the closest you will ever be to Jesus here on earth. I Love You Matt!! Your spirit Lives
Bradley Beck
December 3, 2018
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.
Robert Nelson
December 3, 2018
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.
Marlene Breukelman-Daale
December 3, 2018
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.
Joe Smedsrud
December 3, 2018
I don't think I've ever made a friend as easily as I did with Matt over the past few years on the golf course. A wonderful and courageous man whom I wished to have met long ago. His photo on this page says it all.
David West
December 3, 2018
A truly amazing man and friend. He will be missed by all of us but leaves us a lasting legacy. I loved seeing Matt every year in Mitchell for opening Pheasant season. Many fun times with Matt and Mellissa over the years especially when Reid and Caleb played football together at LHS. Rest in Peace Matt. We love you..Dave and Glenda
Bill Kubat
December 2, 2018
I had the privilege of serving on two Oncology IRB's with Matt and was deeply touched by his compassion, his tenacity and his deep faith. His passion for reaching out to others with cancer, both giving voice to the anxiety they feel and giving valuable counsel. He was a blessing in so many ways and will be dearly missed.
Nancy Rissky
December 2, 2018
Matt was an amazing man. Always putting others needs before his. A true servant of the Lord and helped so many in their own faith journeys. Rest In Peace until we meet again. Thoughts and prayers going out to Mellissa and the entire family.
Angela Gilchrist
December 2, 2018
Matt was such an amazing man. He was my LIVESTRONG brother (fellow leader) for many, many years. His positive outlook & passion for life will forever be carried in my heart. He will be missed dearly & I send my prayers to his family.
Marlin Smith
December 1, 2018
Claus Smith( Cousin) spoke so highly of Matt and his family and after reading Clause's memory and Matts obituary, it would of been a honor to have met him! My deepest sympathy to all who shared his life and may God give his family strength during these sad times.
Marlin Smith
Mary Jo Fellner
December 1, 2018
The words I never wanted to read about Matt took my sunshine away. Forever grateful. RIP Matt
Ann&Dave Miller
November 30, 2018
You set the bar on how to live. Not just live, but live with cancer. Your faith made mine stronger. Thank you. You were a good servant of the lord and now you will live in eternal peace.
Melissa Pioneer
November 30, 2018
With deepest sympathy on loss of your love one May it bring comfort you to know that he will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
Sheri Asmus-Dyer
November 30, 2018
Matt is a grade school, Junior High, High school friend.... a great friend. Prayers to all his family.
NICHOLAS MAGERA
November 30, 2018
I'm sorry for your loss....Our loss and know that he is home.
I was blessed and forever changed on a trip to Denver where Matt and I were on the same plane and schedule so we traveled together. I smile every time of think of this trip.
Brenda Atkins-Fletcher
November 30, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. I did receive emails from Matt. My condolences to you and your family. May God continue to bless you with His love and strength.
Tony & Mary Flowers
November 30, 2018
Deepest sympathies to the Ellefson family.
Joe Bozied
November 30, 2018
Matt was an amazing man! Thank you for all you helped me with! You will be missed! God Bless!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
Steve Flanery
November 30, 2018
Matt was a remarkable person! He had that twinkle in his eyes that few people possess. To his family, may God comfort you and shine his light of peace on you. May you know that his many friends are holding all of you deep in our hearts.
Steve and Brenda Burns
November 30, 2018
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers ! God Bless ! ❤❤
Jeri Nudell
November 30, 2018
The world is a better place because you were here, Heaven will now experience your love and grace Matt ..You will be missed by so many..I'm so glad you were one of the first people I met in middle school when I moved to Mitchell... May God wrap his loving arms around your familyand fill their hearts with happy memories in this time of your loss.
Lisa Campbell (SHME co-worker)
November 30, 2018
Amanda and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He sounded like an amazing man and you are all so lucky to have had him in your lives! Keep those wonderful memories close to you to help you through this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Matt Ellefson's name
Memorial Events
for Matt Ellefson
Funeral services provided by:
Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls4800 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
How to support Matt's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Matt Ellefson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
