Rodney Lynn Ellefson

Rodney L. Ellefson, age 65 of Park River, ND passed away Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. Rodney Lynn Ellefson was born July 25, 1949 in Devils Lake, ND, the son of Doris (Nelson) Skavhaug and the late Leonard Ellefson. He graduated from Adams High School in 1967 and then attended Moler Barber School in Fargo. In 1968, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1975. Rodney was united in marriage to JeAnne Dobmeier on August 19, 1972 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Park River. The couple made their home in Cavalier while he worked for Polar Communications at the Cavalier location. JeAnne passed away June 16, 1973. Rodney moved to Park River and transferred to the Park River location for Polar. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Borgeson in 1988 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River and he welcomed her three children into his life. In 1989 their daughter Vanessa was born. Rodney retired from Polar in 2005. He was a member of the Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. He was a volunteer fireman for Park River, an Aggie Booster, an announcer/scorekeeper/clock-keeper for many Aggie Games and coached basketball. He enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, photography, country music, played guitar and sang. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and all sports. He was an entertainer in more ways than one. Rodney is survived by his daughter, Vanessa Ellefson, Fargo, ND; mother, Doris Skavhaug, Park River, ND; siblings: Sheldon (Barb) Ellefson, Park River, Randi (Rod) Bangsund, Morris, MN; Tammy (John) Thelen, Grand Forks, ND; Kevin (Mary) Skavhaug, Park River, ND; Colin Skavhaug, Park River, ND. He is also survived by his aunt, cousins and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Leonard and wife JeAnne. Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. at the Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River. Military Rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.