Kenneth Paul Ellefson

Kenneth Paul Ellefson, son of Ove and Evelyn (Sandvig) Ellefson, was born September 17, 1923, in Canton, South Dakota. He grew up on a farm near Canton, and attended school in Canton. Ken attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota for 2 years and then joined the United States Navy. After serving his beloved country he returned to St. Olaf, to continue his education. It was at St. Olaf where he met the love of his life, Helen Ollig. Ken and Helen graduated from St. Olaf and on August 17, 1948, were united in marriage in Waverly, Minnesota. They made their home in Ada, where they raised four children while operating the family-owned multi-state telephone business. Ken was respected for his knowledge of the telephone business, and served on many state and national organizations. Ken was a man of deep religious faith, and spent his life journey studying about his Lord. Ken and Helen made several trips to the Holy Land with their pastor, teacher, and friend, Lloyd Wallace, where they experienced one of the thrills of their life to stand on a hill overlooking the Old Jerusalem while envisioning the New Jerusalem. He was a member of Grace Lutheran and served as its President for several terms.

After their retirement in 1996, Ken and Helen spent their time with the greatest enjoyment in their life, their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and traveling to see the wonders of this world. On October 18, 2002, Helen went to her Lord after a long struggle with cancer and in August of 2007, Ken became a resident of the Bridges Care Community in Ada, where he continued his service to his community as resident council president.