David Ellefson

David Ellefson, age 86, of Maynard, Minnesota, passed away on November 11, 2024. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 am at Wang Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Vestre Sogn Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

David Marvin Ellefson was born on July 17, 1938, to Marvin and Yetive (Jimmerson) Ellefson. He attended county school (District #48) and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1956 as salutatorian of his class. David worked for his aunt and uncle at the Red Owl Store in Olivia. He also worked at Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Corporative, Project Turnabout and was a U.S. Mail carrier.

David was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, while he was working for his aunt and uncle. David’s 8 months of basic training consisted of flying and maintenance of helicopters. He then received his orders to go to Pakistan. He made trips to Iran and Iraq during his transport helicopter missions. In the Fall of 1962, he was set for another normal day of helicopter flights. On their way back from Lahore, Pakistan the monsoon rains started and the helicopter lost power. They crashed from 300 feet in the air and David was the lone survivor. Three days after the crash David was taken prisoner by the Pakistan soldiers on the boarder. He was held prisoner for 4 years. He then escaped and walked through the mountains for approximately 240 miles, till he got to the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. David served his nation on many dangerous missions. When released from the Army after 7 years he returned to Wang township where he said was a safe place to live. David said his biggest regret when he was discharged from the Army was that his mother did not know he was still living when she passed away.

Davids family roots go back to the beginning of Wang township. David is the 5th generation to live in Wang township. Ole J. Ellefson was the first in 1871.

David had a gift to explain family history of many people of Wang township. David was very proud that he had one of the longest driveways in Wang township.

David is survived by a sister-in-law Carol Ellefson, two nieces: Ginger (Dave) Sempel and Lisa Peterson; two nephews; Michael (Pam) Ellefson and Doug (Sara) Ellefson; besides other relatives and friends. He will be deeply missed by cousins: Pat, Gary, Linda and their families.

David was preceded in death by his parents Marvin Ellefson and Yetive Ellefson; two brothers: Michael and John Ellefson and his sister Mary Pratt.