Matt Ellison
June 6, 1974 ~ December 6, 2025
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
West Fargo, North Dakota
Live Stream Prayer Service:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew James Ellison, a beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, who left us unexpectedly on December 6, 2025, at the age of 51. Born on June 6, 1974, to Jim and Sandy (Zick) Ellison, Matt lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a passion for the simple joys that life has to offer.
Matt graduated from West Fargo High School in 1992 and went on to attain a marketing degree from the University of North Dakota. His professional journey included impactful roles at Courts Plus, Fargo Forum, Grainger, and Newman Outdoor Signs, where he was known for his unwavering dedication and a vibrant personality.
On September 10, 2011, Matt married the love of his life, Stefanie Gefroh, and together they created a warm and loving home for their two children, Landyn Sara and Beckett James. He cherished every moment spent with his family.
Matt found joy in golfing and his annual ice fishing trip. He was particularly fond of spending time at the lake, where he created lasting memories with family and friends. He was also a fervent sports fan, cheering on UND, the MN Wild, Minnesota Vikings and his children’s Stampede hockey teams. He showed his generous spirit through volunteering for Landon’s Light, a cause close to his heart.
Matt was an avid coach for youth sports, centering around his kids. He was the coach that every parent hoped their child would get. Matt connected with every kid, encouraging them, motivating them, teaching and guiding them. Giving out special nicknames was a gift that Matt shared.
If you were friends with Matt, then your wife, parents, younger siblings, and kids also became his friends. He had a way of making you feel that, in that moment, you were all that mattered and he had nowhere else to be and nowhere else to go. Many friends gathered at Matt’s beloved sports cove in the basement. Anytime with friends was time well spent.
He is survived by his wife Stefanie Ellison and their children Landyn Sara and Beckett James; mother Sandy Woodward; father Jim Ellison; sister Staci (Dave) Birrenkott; mother-in-law Marcia (Vance) Kemmer; brothers-in law Chad Gefroh and Jake Kemmer; sisters-in-law Jenna Kemmer and Sabrina Kemmer, nephews Chris, Josh and Drew Birrenkott; and nieces Taylor and Sydney Gefroh, Leona Reitan and Abigail Kemmer; and great-niece Charlotte Gefroh.
Matt is preceded in death by his brother Troy Michael Ellison; grandparents Clyde and Myrtle Ellison, and Eddie and Marian Zick; Gary Woodward; father-in-law James Gefroh; brother-in-law Jesse Kemmer; and special friend Landon Solberg.
If you wish to honor Matt by wearing Minnesota Wild, UND, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Vikings, or golf apparel, please do.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Landyn and Beckett, whose accounts have been established at Bell Bank in memory of Matt.
Services
Visitation: Friday, December 12, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
Prayer Service: Friday, December 12, 2025 7:00 pm
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
Visitation: Saturday, December 13, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
Funeral Service : Saturday, December 13, 2025 11:00 am
Hope Lutheran Church Fargo, South Campus
3636 25th St S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-6629
https://www.fargohope.org/
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Matt was a great person. I only knew him for a couple of years, but it felt like I knew him much longer. I coached hockey with him, and the first thing I noticed about him was how much he cared for and loved his family. He will certainly be missed.
The Donegans (Ryan, Jess, Harper, Finn and Jones)
Patty Lies
My deepest sympathies to you, Stef, and your family. Sending my prayers and a very big hug.
I’m so sorry to hear this tragic news. I’ve gotten to know Pervis through my brother Woody (Scott Sinner) and have always had an amazing time with him. Always a bright light with a big smile ready for a fun time. My thoughts and prayers are with the family grieving this terrible loss.
My condolences to Sandy, Stacey, and all of Matt’s family…
Matt was a fine person and the best childhood friend anybody could ever have. I still have vivid memories of those times. We spent our days riding our 1980’s neon BMX bikes around West Fargo, spending times at Lowe’s Bike Shop, playing “All Star Baseball” on Matt’s Atari, and making the “best cassette mix tape ever”; those times I will always cherish.
Earlier this year, I had the fortune of re-connecting with Matt. And, I was very proud of his success in life, both professionally and his love of his family.
Rest in Peace, my friend.
Sincerely, Lydia Faulkner and family ( Arden, Kendall, and Jason)
I will miss our chats about family, golf, and the various MN Sports Teams. Rest in Peace, my Friend!
I am sorry to hear this news. My condolences to Stefanie and the family.
Steph I am so very sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences to you and your beautiful children. Sending lots of love and prayers
Deepest condolences to the Ellison family. Stef and the kids are in our prayers, and may you find strength in the love and support around you. With love and support, from the Mannuru family.
-Beth Richels
Sandy and Jim, just saw that this was your son who passed. So very sorry. Sounds like a wonderful guy. My prayers are with you ❤️
Stef and family, We are incredibly sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. I can’t imagine. Please know how many people love you.❤️🩹🫶 sending prayers for healing and peace for you heart. Hugs and Love
My deepest sympathy to your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort to you all.
~Jeff and Tracy Larson
So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of Matt’s family.
~ Dewey and Connie Grunewald
Our condolences from the DeHaan family. Matt was such a great guy and great Coach.
Sandy, Staci and family,
My sincere sympathy in the great loss of Matt! I will keep your family in my thoughts.
Matt was always very kind and patient, which made working with him so easy. We here at Newman Outdoor feel so honored to have known Matt.
Again, our hearts and prayers are with all of you.