Max Robert Ellefson

Dates

Obituary

Max Robert Ellefson, 66, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024, at his home under hospice care in Mitchell. Visitation will be Monday, December 30, from 5-7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 31, at First United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell with a time of fellowship to follow at Thirsty's. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A live stream of Max's funeral service can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/4136572

Max Robert Ellefson was born on February 2, 1958, in Flandreau, South Dakota, Max was the third of five children born to Robert and Glenda (Faris) Ellefson. The Ellefson family moved to Mitchell in 1969 with the expansion of the Implement business, and Max would go on to work there for most of his life, eventually becoming the third-generation owner and operator. He sold the business in 2012 and continued to manage it until his retirement in 2016.

Max was a beloved figure in his community, known for his strong family bonds, work ethic, and unwavering dedication to the people he cared about. He was also well known for his strong sense of humor and was quick with a one-liner or dad joke that became legendary in his family. His playful nature was part of his charm, and he was affectionately known as the king of "one more” when it came to fun activities like darts, bean bags, or a drink with friends. His playful spirit and sense of humor were things that he passed on to his kids, and they carry on his legacy of wit and warmth.

Max's love for his family was at the core of who he was. He took great pride in being a father and grandfather, especially enjoying the moments when he could watch his kids and grandkids excel in sports. Max had six kids and 14 grandkids, all of whom he cherished deeply. Whether it was cheering them on at a game or spending time together on a family outing, his love for his family was evident in everything he did.

For many years, Max was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where he volunteered driving the church van. His passion for service took him beyond his local congregation, as he participated in two mission trips to Haiti, helping those in need.

Max also had a love for adventure, particularly when it came to travel. After marrying Sandy in 2006, the couple enjoyed exploring the United States together. They favored places like Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, where they could take in the beauty of the outdoors and enjoy quality time together.

An avid sports fan, Max was especially devoted to both the Las Vegas and Wagner Raiders, a passion that was a big part of his life. Whether it was cheering on his team or his grandkids, Max found joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Max passed away Friday, December 27, 2024, at his home surrounded by the love of his family after a year long illness with Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), a rare form of sarcoma cancer.

Max is survived by his wife, Sandy Ellefson; six children and 14 grandchildren: Chet Ellefson and his boys Santi and Max; Miranda (Kyle) Irby and their boys Scout, Sawyer, and Stratton; Tera (Mike) Koupal and their kids Macy, Ashlyn, Cruise, Riggs, Dash, and Elsie; Katie (Shane) Michelson and their kids Brynlee and Pierce; Ryan (Micaela) Ellefson and their son Rhett; and Serina Lesnar; his mother, Glenda; sisters, Nancy Ellefson, Sandy (Kenny) Hanson, and Andrea (Troy) Hart; and his pups, Bentley and Finley.

He was preceded in death by his father Robert, brother Matthew Ellefson, niece Shelley Ellefson, and his in-laws, Dale and Eileen Goreham.

Max's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the memories of his one-liners, his love of family, and his endless enthusiasm for life.

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