Donald Orrin Ellefson

Donald Orrin Ellefson, 82, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL since 2002, formerly of Rochester, MN, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2021 in North Fort Myers. He was born February 19, 1939 in Rochester, MN to Orrin and Gladys Ellefson, now deceased.

Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife Jacqueline L. Ellefson.

Donald will be remembered for his kindness, patience, tolerance, acceptance and nonjudgmental demeanor. He was there by your side during the tough times and great times, lending his hand and always happy to help. He was a hard worker, he would work day and night, at times holding three jobs. He did this without looking for recognition; it was his joy to do for others, especially doing for his children. He worked at Marigold/Kemps for over 30 years flavoring ice cream, after his retirement, the company had to hire three men to replace his position. Donald never looked further than his children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren for how he graded his success. He absolutely loved his mother and father, two sisters and brother; he would have done anything for them.  He was proud to be a Marine and was a Marine through and through, all the way to the end. He passed away Wednesday, October 27 at 2:00 PM.

I can imagine my dad holding my mother’s hand, giving his mother a hug and getting the boat ready to go out fishing with Grandpa. I know he’s in a good place and we will see him again.

He is survived by his loving children, Jean Weber (Mark) of Falcon, CO, Ronald Ellefson (Kris) of Rochester, MN, Barb Allen of Rochester, MN, Ken Ellefson (Molly) of North Fort Myers, and Mary Hardecopf (Kevin) of Oklahoma. Siblings; Robert Ellefson (Sharon) of Rochester, Karen Carlson (Richard) of Rochester and Annie Craighead (Jim) of Rochester; as well as 16 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 10:00 AM November 20, 2021 at Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel, 1105 12^th ST. SE, Rochester, MN 55904.

Grave site remembrance with military honors will be held at 1:00 PM November 20, 2021 at Grandview Memorial Gardens, 1300 Marion Road SE, Rochester, MN 55904.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.