Theodore W. Ellefson, Sr.
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Theodore W. Ellefson, Sr.

  • February 28, 1923 - December 6, 2011
  • Greenville, South Carolina
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Memories & Candles

“We greatly enjoyed Ted and Connies trips to Iowa. They were so much fun and we always looked forward to visiting with them. Cindy ”
1 of 7 | Posted by: Cindy Hempen Wedeking - IA

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire "Uncle Ted" family. Having Uncle Ted visit in South Dakota was always a great time, whether it was for...Read More » ”
2 of 7 | Posted by: Brian Ellefson - Waterford, WI

“Ted and Jim ~ Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families during this difficult time. Uncle Ted was a great guy and will be missed by...Read More » ”
3 of 7 | Posted by: Peggy Koch - Owatonna, MN - Niece

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family of Uncle Ted. I always loved it when he came up north to pheasant hunt with us. It was always...Read More » ”
4 of 7 | Posted by: Jeremy Morgan - Brandon, SD

“Jim & Ted, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families at this very difficult time. Uncle Ted was a great person and was loved by...Read More » ”
5 of 7 | Posted by: Cynthia Ellefson Hennings - AZ

“Ted was a more than a brother to me my best friend and a person to look up to. God Bless him and his wonderful family. Rodney ”
6 of 7 | Posted by: Rodney Ellefson - Watertown, SD

“The Staff of The Mackey Mortuary wish to express our deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. ”
7 of 7 | Posted by: The Mackey Mortuary


Theodore W. Ellefson, Sr.
Greenville, SC

Theodore William Ellefson, Sr., lovingly known as "Potcha", died on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in Greenville, at the age of 88.

Born in Garretson, South Dakota on February 28, 1923, he was the son of Lewis and Alice Schurman Ellefson. He grew up in Aplington, Iowa and graduated from Aplington High School in 1940. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1944 and became a B25 pilot in WWII, and retired as Chief Warrant Officer in 1973 after having served 30 years. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal upon retiring from military service

He was a member of Canton Presbyterian Church, Canton, NC.

He was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters and his wife of 44 years, Cornelia Trippe Ellefson in 1993.

Surviving are two sons, James Lewis Ellefson (Jim and Jane), and Theodore William Ellefson, Jr. (Ted and Anne); six grandchildren: Cornelia McCall Ellefson Kelley ( Neely & Doug), Julia Crosswell Ellefson Darnell (Julia & Justin), Captain Conoly Ellefson Sullivan ( Conoly & Matt), Theodore William Ellefson, III (Todd and Stacy), Rebecca Trippe Ellefson and Anne Cooper Ellefson Doherty (Anne Cooper & Owen); seven great-grandchildren, as well as three brothers; Dr. Rodney Ellefson (Pauline), Perry Ellefson (Helen) and Leonard Ellefson.

Services and Military Honors will be conducted at 3:00 PM Thursday at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 703 East Washington St., Greenville, SC with Rev. Buz Wilcoxon officiating. Graveside services will be held in at 2:00 PM Friday, December 9, 2011 in Crown Hill Cemetery, Albany, GA.

The family will receive friends Thursday, from 2:00 until 2:45 PM at the church.

The family request that flowers please be omitted and memorials be made to Meals On Wheels, 15 Oregon St., Greenville, SC 29605, or to the charity of one's choice.

The Mackey Mortuary.

Online obituaries and guest registry at www.mackeymortuary