ORANGEVILLE - Ralph F. Ellefson, age 64, passed away on Sunday January 11, 2009 at the University of Madison Hospital. He was born on October 27, 1944 in Monroe, WI, to George and Francis (Stubbe) Ellefson. He served in the Army National Guard from 1965 till 1975 during the Vietnam Era. He married Carol Eveland in Freeport, IL on August 23, 1990. Ralph worked for the Newell Rubbermaid Company in Freeport, IL, starting in 1965 and retiring in 2006. Prior to that he worked on the family farm, Deep Rock Gas Station in Monroe, WI and was an armored carrier for several years. Ralph enjoyed antique restoration, antique tractor pulls, Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, and enjoyed cutting wood and gardening.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Carol of Orangeville, IL; 3 sons, Tim Ellefson of Freeport, IL, Todd (Sherri) Ellefson of Baltimore, MD and Tom (Margaret) Ellefson of Davis, IL; 1 stepdaughter, Jamie Vincent of Marion, IA; 2 brothers, Robert (Joanie) Ellefson of Monroe, WI and Gerald (Ella) Ellefson of Monroe, WI; 4 sisters, Vera Block of Monroe, WI, Viola Fox of Browntown, WI, Carol (Elwood) Koch of Monticello, WI and Lila (Herbert) Kraus of Monroe, WI; 1 sister-in-law, Merikay Ellefson of Monroe, WI; 9 grandchildren, Steve Ellefson, Britney Ellefson, Arlvin Ellefson, Bret Ellefson, Riley Brady, Gabriella Cusimano, Lily Walker, Breanna Bender and McKala Cusimano.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Helen Indergand and a brother, Eugene Ellefson and a stepson, Gabriel Cusimano.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 14, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home in Orangeville, IL. Visitation will be held from 5 till 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at the Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home in Orangeville, IL. Officiating will be Randy Nicholas. Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his name. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com