Steve Ellefson

Every farmer puts his land to rest for the winter. On spring s horizon it is brought back to life. God has put this farmer to rest, wheat in his hand, he walks the horizon to a new life.
Steve was a humble man who would be content if his obituary simply read Steve died but his family would like to share his story with you because it s one we will cherish and never forget.
Steven Edward Ellefson was born November 24, 1962 and was welcomed home by his loving family on Valentine s Day in 1963. He was baby brother to Wayne, Cheri, and Lori, completing the family that his parents, Charles and VaLois (Moxness) Ellefson, prayed for. Farming was Steve s life from the time he arrived at the Ellefson farmstead. If you were a friend to Steve, you ve heard the stories of how he set to work at a very young age, learning the trade of farming right alongside his Dad. A favorite story of his to tell was when he was 6. It was his mom s birthday, Steve took over combining wheat so his dad could go celebrate his mother s birthday with her back at the house.
He was baptized and confirmed at the Milnor Lutheran Church. Steve attended Milnor Public School, graduating with the class of 1981. Let s just say extra curriculars were the highlight, whether they were school affiliated or not. Playing in the 1981 state basketball tournament was a fond memory from high school for him. After high school Steve went to the best trade school out there, under the direction of Charles Ellefson, the greatest mentor and teacher he could have asked for.
He married Deborah Ann Kratcha on January 8th, 1983. Together they raised their 3 girls Shannon Loy, SaRae Ann, & Sharleen Kae. Farming was his passion, and he enjoyed every aspect of it so much that it wasn t work to him. Steve was a talented and hardworking man who did his own mechanical and autobody work and restored tractors and cars as a hobby. When Steve was challenged with an It can t be fixed project, he said Game on and he got it done. He enjoyed fishing, shooting pool, golf, putzing around the shop, crop checking, Jamaican vacations, the lake, and all conversations with his family and friends. Steve was a friend to everybody, and made friends wherever he went with his unique ability to hold a conversation with anyone who had a minute. And while his family and friends are devastated by this great loss, we giggle as we reminisce of his mannerisms, unique vocabulary, his repeated stories, fashion sense (Please join us by wearing jeans and a t-shirt to his funeral.), and our stories of the great man who was Steve Ellefson. While 59 years wasn t nearly enough time with him, he lived those years the best that anyone could. This is a reminder to us all that life is short, so go to the lake, take the vacation, and get the large ice cream.
Steve leaves behind his wife Debbe; daughters Shannon (Scott) Berndt, Milnor, SaRae Ellefson, Gwinner, Sharlie (Trent) Toso, Milnor; 5 precious grandchildren Layton, Paisley, Vaiah, Hailyn, and Tripp, all who called him Papa; sisters Cheri (LeRoy) Siemieniewski, Cayuga, Lori (Myron) Yagow, Milnor; stepmom Kathy Ellefson, Fargo; brothers in-law Donnie (Marie) Kratcha, Hankinson, Rick Kratcha, Gwinner, and Roger Kratcha, Gwinner. Many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and VaLois Ellefson; brother Wayne Ellefson; Grandparents Ed & Harriet (Robbins) Ellefson and Ed & Inez (Keen) Moxness; in-laws Duane & Loyola Tayer; and nephews Brian Kratcha and Dustin Kratcha.
There will be a visitation from 5:30-7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Milnor Lutheran Church, Milnor, ND. His funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 also at Milnor Lutheran Church. Burial will take place at Milnor Lutheran Cemetery near Milnor, ND. His service will be live streamed on his obituary page.