Shirley Marie (Macek) Ellefsen, 86, formerly of the Town of Easton, passed away on May 19, 2016 in Harlingen, TX where she had been living the past several years with her daughter, Kristine.
She was born April 7, 1930 in Adams, MA to the late Francis and Clara (Fulde) Macek.
Shirley graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) in 1951, received her Bachelor’s from the University of Minnesota in 1955 and a Masters in Midwifery from the Yale School of Nursing in 1958. She worked several years in Public Health both in Massachusetts and Klamath Falls, Oregon and taught at St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, MN where she met her husband, Hans Ellefsen.
On June 10, 1961, Shirley was united in marriage to Hans Ellefsen. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2009. After their marriage, Shirley worked together with Hans on the family Dairy farm, raising their family and traveling to visit family during their time together (Massachusetts/Helena/Harlingen).
Shirley especially enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, wreath making and playing games (Bingo, Monopoly to name a few) with grandchildren, teaching sewing basics, extended visits to David’s (Montana) and Kristine (Harlingen) accompanied by niece, Lanee Lundgren. Shirley also took cruises to Alaska and Norway with Kristine and traveled to visit the Macek family in Florida. She also enjoyed keeping up with friends and family via Facebook and especially enjoyed the annual family New Year’s celebration hosted by her niece, Diane. Her little dog, Teddy and grand dogs, Pearl and Emma were her beloved companions.
Survivors include 2 sons; David (Michele) Ellefsen of Helena, Montana; and Martin (Trissa) Ellefsen of Aniwa, WI; one daughter: Kristine Ellefsen and Sheila of Harlingen, TX; grandchildren: Jacob (fiancé Leslie Thompson) Ellefsen, Sarah (Stoney) Eastman and Amanda Ellefsen and brothers; Francis (Carol) Macek and James (Estelle) Macek. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Town of Easton, Marathon County. Rev. Betty Wyatt will officiate. Inurnment will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10am until the time of services at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with arrangements.