Obituary of Donald E. Ellefson

Ellefson, Donald E. (Ducky) 84 of Buffalo, MN., passed away February 9, 2015. Donald was born in Montevideo, MN., on July 25, 1930, to Arthur and Violet Ellefson of Dawson, MN. Donald Ellefson attended and graduated from Dawson Public School in 1948. Donald married Carol Helgeson on July 3, 1950. Donald served in the Army National Guard activated during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant on the 4th day of November 1962. Donald in his career had a wide variety of work experiences and he and his family lived in Dawson, MN, Atlantic, Iowa, Laurel, Montana and Buffalo, MN. Don's career with Austin Mutual Insurance Company of Minneapolis, MN. began July 8, 1968, as Field Representative/Adjustor. He was promoted to Head Claims Adjustor and Manager of Mountain States General Agency in Billings, Montana from 1972 to 1975. He returned to the Home Office of Austin Mutual Insurance Company in Minneapolis, MN. in 1975 as Claims Examiner. In May 1986, he was promoted to Vice-President of Claims and worked in that capacity until his retirement in 1994. He also served on the Austin Mutual Board of Directors from 1987 until his retirement in 1994. Don was an interested, supportive and "fun" father to a family of 4 children. There was never a dull moment-bikes, sports equipment, piano lessons, pheasant hunting, over-night planning, girl talks, boys talks, allowances, attending the "kids" sporting events-whew! He calmly listened and managed to get everyone settled down. His parents, Arthur and Violet Ellefson, preceded Don in death. Don is survived by his wife of 64 years Carol (Helgeson), his daughter, Kathy (Jim) Runkel, Sons Dale, Davy and Dean (Colleen) Ellefson. Grandchildren, Peter (Beth) Runkel, Amy (Mike) Bickley, JaRae (Michael Christensen, Taylor (Alex) Zachman and Austin Ellefson. Don is survived by 4 Great Grand-Children, Dawson Runkel, Violet Bickley, Crew Christensen and Zoey Zachman. His sister, Shirley (Bernie) Bownik and many nieces, nephews, Brothers-in-Law and numerous friends. We will miss you and always remember what a great listener and DAD you were to us! Love, "The Boys," Dale, Davy, Dean, daughter Kathy and wife Carol. A celebration of Don's life will be held at a date not yet determined.