Jody Ellefson
June 29, 1957 ~ January 2, 2020
Jody "The Jodester" Ann Ellefson, 62, of Fargo, ND passed away Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 at Bethany on 42nd. Her sister Nita, brother-in-law Jeff, and nieces Holly and Lisa were by her side as she left this world. The Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 20th at the Larsen Chapel at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, ND with visitation one hour before the service.
Jody was born on June 29th, 1957 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Darol "Bud" Ellefson and Joyce (Mankie) Ellefson. She attended grade school, junior high, and high school in Grand Forks, and graduated from GF Central in 1975. At the age of 16 she was diagnosed with a large tumor in her Pituitary gland which forever changed her life. Despite this, she never lost her zest for life, laughter and love. She always enjoyed meeting new people, visiting, bingo, shopping for gifts for people, rummage sales, thrifting, music, and especially dancing. For those of us who knew and loved her, she danced her way through life every chance she could get. She lived at home with her parents until their death in 2000. In March of 2001 she began a new chapter in her life when she joined the Open Door Program in Valley City, ND. After a brief time in her own apartment, she moved to The High Soaring Eagle Ranch outside of town. The wonderful staff at the ranch wrapped their "arms" around her and quickly became an extension of our family. She loved everyone there, but Kari Shape held a very special place in Jody's, and our hearts. With the help of her friends there, she was able to travel many places but especially loved Hawaii and Branson! The Ranch remained her home until March 2018 when her level of care changed and she moved to Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, ND. There she discovered a whole new family, because in Jody's world there were no strangers, only friends she hadn't met! To the wonderful staff at Bethany, Thank you for loving and taking care of our sister. She lived there until her death on January 2nd, 2020.
She is survived by her sisters Renita(Jeff) Neppl and Jan(Curt) Zejdlik, nieces and nephews Lisa Tupa, Krissy Bohn, Holly Zejdlik, Casey Zejdlik, Nicole Schneider and Jeremy Neppl, in addition to many other beloved family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents, who were waiting for her to come home to them.
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I would like to offer my condolences to Jody’s sisters and other family. I was friends with Jody in grade school and we just lived 3 blocks apart. I remember going with her to Union Lake the summer of 1969, and we were there during the historical first moon walk. I don[‘t know what makes me remember that, but I think of that day every once in a while. I searched for Jody while planning our 40th Central Class reunion in 2015, and I now realize she was living in Valley City at that time. I will remember her fondly, along with her mom, Joyce.
To Jody’s family, So Sorry for the loss of Jody just saw that she had passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the days ahead. God Bless you all.
Knew Jody briefly during growing up years as our parents and hers were friends. Our condolences to the Ellefson family.
Remembering the good times at the lake and by the bonfire. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
So sorry for your loss 🙏🏻 To you all . I remember Jodi we lived across the ally from them in Grand Forks. Had many fun days talking and playing .R.I.P. Jodi no more pain fly high !!
I remember jody fondly. My mother Pam Carpenter and sher mother Joyce were best friends and worked together in the school kitchen. I always remember asking my mom when we were gonna go see joyce because i know jody would be there. She was a much loved friend and will always be in my heart and mind
So sorry to hear that Jody passed…. she always had a smile and brought a smile to everyone’s face that met her. Many found memories of Jody at the lake.
To Jody’s family, We are truly sorry for your loss.. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers 🙏 Jody was our babysister , her family lived across the street from us… She will be sadly missed…. Fly high Jody 🙏🥀🥀..
Ralph and Faye Thompson
Mark , Alan , Patrick and Bonnie , Rachel and Tammy…
I was so sorry to read in the paper of Jody’s passing. Jody and I started school together in first grade at Belmont School and continued until our graduation from Central in 1975. I remember Jody always smiling. She was a happy, fun person, even with her health issues. May you rest in peace Jody.
That picture is the Jody I remember, always with a smile on her face. My sympathy to Jan, Nita and family.