Wayne Ellefson
July 3, 1954 ~ June 16, 2021
The funeral service will be livestreamed via the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/c/FargoBaptistChurch/live
Wayne Donald Ellefson of Fargo, ND passed away on Wednesday June 16th, 2021, at the age of 66.
Wayne was born July 3rd, 1954, in Fargo, ND. His parents were Charles & VaLois Ellefson of Milnor, ND. Wayne graduated from Milnor Highschool in 1972 and enlisted in the army. He served in the C Troop 3rd Platoon in the 3rd squadron 12th cavalry of the 3rd Armor Division from 1973-1976. He was assigned as a loader on a M551 Airborne Assault Vehicle where he performed Border Security missions along the East/West Germany border. Following his service in the military, Wayne attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and graduated with a B.S. in Marketing.
After college, Wayne pursued a career in car sales. Over the years Wayne worked for dealerships throughout the Fargo area. Most notably he worked at Luther Family Buick GMC where he cultivated loyal customers who returned year after year as a testament to Wayne’s character.
Wayne married Dianne Olsen in December 1981. They had a son Christopher and a daughter Kari. In March 2014 Wayne married Brenda Knox, adding Tony, Colton and Kierra Knox to his family. Brenda passed away unexpectedly October 22nd, 2015.
Wayne was devoted to service. He proudly served as the Head Greeter at the Fargo Baptist Church and loved his church community. Wayne was a proud veteran, life member of the Disabled American Veterans Organization, AMVETS and Vietnam Veterans of America Post 941.
Of his many pastimes, Wayne enjoyed spending time with his family, his dog Louie and girlfriend Gloria. He liked gardening, traveling, reading about history and had the type of personality where he could spend hours talking to friends. He was best known for his quick wit, sense of humor, outgoing personality, and detailed memory.
He is survived by: his girlfriend Gloria Byland of Fargo, ND. His children Christopher Ellefson of Fargo and Kari (Tyler) Flom of Evans, GA. Stepchildren Kierra (Jake) Huebner of Nebraska, Tony Knox of Fargo, ND and Colton Knox of Fargo, ND. Siblings: Cheri (Leroy) Simemenski of Cayuga, ND, Lori (Myron) Yagow of Milnor, ND, Steve (Debbe) Ellefson of Milnor, ND. Stepmother Kathy Ellefson of Fargo, ND. Expected Grandson Baby Flom of Evans, GA.
and loving stepsiblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of longtime friends.
Preceded in death by his parents Charles & VaLois Ellefson, wife Brenda and many aunts & uncles.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
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Wayne was a nice man. He was so friendly and always had a smile on his face.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
miss my friend known since high school always a smile
Wayne was known as Wolfie to me after he always thought he was German. He called me Arianna
We have been friends for 20 years as Vietnam Era veterans. Wolfie had a sense of humor I loved.
I will miss him terribly.
Wayne was kind, soft- spoken, impeccably dressed, friendly to everyone, a perfect gentleman, a perfect “greeter” at the church’s door. He will be missed greatly! May God comfort his family as only He can.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We will always miss Wayne. He was a true friend. We will miss the good times we had in Colorado and his cooking. It will never be the same.
Rest in peace Wayne. My prayer family and friends. My disabilities keep me from attending.
My condolences to the family. What a wonderful human being…..friendly, helpful, and most likable that dry humor and quick wit.
We were in the automobile business together and became fast friends.
He was the Lease Manager, I was the Finance Manager and somewhere along the line probably over a beer or two we formed a very exclusive club called The Friends of the Friendless. Wayne of course coined it thinking no one could like us given our titles.
He was quick to laugh and a lovely man.
Rest in peace friend.
Great Cav Trooper! we always had each others v6!
My brother in arms I will see you in Fiddler’s Green. Scouts Out!
Our sympathy to your family on the passing of your father and my friend, Army Brother. We’ll miss exchanging cards at Christmas and seeing pictures of him at special events in his uniform. We had some good times in Germany.
Wayne was such a good soul and will be sorely missed. As a fellow Veteran, I enjoyed the discussions about the military and also imminent return of Christ. We should be happy for him since he is now with the Lord. Philippians 1:23.
I’m so sorry for loss. I’m sending my love and prayers.
Wayne was a friendly and kind man that always had a smile. He was a very caring and thoughtful individual. We admired his strong respect, service and love for our country.
Wayne and I go back a long time. We went to college together, ROTC where we became friends, graduated from college and got commissioned as Army reserve officers together. I considered him my best friend and was hoping to visit him this summer while attending a class reunion.
I was very shocked last Friday to find out he had passed l. Wayne was a great person and I will miss him dearly. May God comfort his family at this time.
I remember how much Wayne loved the sport of shooting and his knowledge of firearms. My brother and I used to go shooting with him back in the day. He was a good guy and it’s a damn shame he went this early.
My sincerest condolences to all of Wayne’s family and friends. Always enjoyed my conversations with this gentleman, he always had a smile on his face, and was a very sharp dresser! A dedicated Veteran and supporter of all Veteran groups, past commander of AMVETS Post 7. He will be missed dearly. But will never be forgotten.
I didn’t personally know Wayne other than looking forward to seeing him on Sunday mornings. I always of him and how kind he was, he always made me feel welcome. I will miss him greatly and am so thankful in knowing he is in heaven with the rest of the saints. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Sherry Schapp
Wayne Ellefson was a great Brother in Christ, a Brother in the Military, and a honored Veteran who served at a time when many did not and did not get a hero’s welcome upon return from Viet Nam. Recently, Wayne and I talked about that duirng an after chruch visit to a local restaruant to get a cup of coffee and a slice of pecan pie. he was a gentlemen, a professional and an unconditional friend—always greeted with a smile and a handshake and a twinkli in his eye. He loved Veterans. Rest now my friend, you have served well.
Wayne tried to live by this scripture—–Romans: 15:1-2 “We, who are strong, ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good to build him up.”
Past Commander Wayne will truly be missed at AMVETS Post 7. I so enjoyed visiting and listening to Wayne’s humor.
Always appreciated Wayne. Consistently helpful and made people feel welcome.
He recently retired but continued on at Luther to stay “in circulation”, and said he looked forward to joining our small group men’s Bible study when he could.
Will he be greeting me when I get to heaven one day? I wouldn’t be surprised.
RIP fellow 3/12 Cav Trooper you will be missed. Condlences to his family and friends.
See you at Fiddlers Green.
It’s often said but never more true – Wayne was one of the really “GOOD GUYS”! I will so very much miss his impersonation of my old German boss ending nearly every comment with a long, heavy HEYYY.. Going to miss you alot Wayne.
He was a greeter at church. He was respectful, pleasant and someone you looked forward to seeing again. His presence was comforting. He is definitely missed.
Wayne was a great friend and classmate. We had many visits both in person and by phone. He will be greatly missed. RIP Soldier, we’ve got the watch.🇺🇸
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Ellefson family during this sad and difficult time. God allowed Wayne and I to have a beautiful and genuine friendship that endured for 22 years. What a blessing for both of us. Wayne was the only salesman who could sell cars with no pressure on the customer. So true because I bought two new cars off the lot from him! He had a magnetic personality and a heart of pure gold. Godspeed Wolfie. This city kitty will always have a place in her heart for her country canine. Fly free, dear friend. You will not be forgotten
Wayne was a wonderful man. RIP my friend.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Wayne you left this earth too soon. I have fond memories of your family as you joined our family, when Kathy and Charles were married. I will pray for peace for the family as they grieve now, but I know you are having a great talk with your dad in heaven.
To a true friend that will be greatly missed. You are now in God’s hands. Rest in Peace.
My sincere sympathy to Wayne’s family, I bought a vehicle at Luthers from him and got aquainted with him in that respect-he had a great personality and never failed to call with birthday greetings after that. So very sorry for your loss-he will be missed by many.
I would like to express my sympathy to Wayne’s family. I will always remember him smiling and laughing. You could tell he enjoyed selling cars. I am saddened to hear of his death but now he is reunited with family and friends in heaven.
I Served With Wayne In C Troop. I Was In 1st 2nd HQ Platoon From 1972-1976. I Had More Close Friends Mainly In The 3rd Platoon Than Than The Previous Mentioned 0nes. Wayne & Several From The 3rd Were The Best Guys In C Troop Without A Doubt.