William M. Ellefson, 81, of Rockford, died on March 1, 2009 at East Bank Center. He was born on July 10, 1927 in Monroe, WI, the son of Marion and Norma (Million) Ellefson. Graduated from Monroe High School in 1945. Joined the Navy and graduated and attended the U.S. Marines. Married Donna Bosey, she passed away in 1967. Then married Mary Lutzow in 1968, she passed away in 2001. Worked at Colonial, Sunbeam, Dolly Madison and Foley's before retiring in 1976. Bill loved to fish early in the morning and many times he was coming back from fishing when the rest of us were getting up.

Survivors include his children, Cheryl Martinson, Norma (Dave) Traxell, Jeanne Marie (Bruce) Haase, Shelly (Russ) Miller; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; step-son, Harry (Charlotte) Carlson; brother, Terry (Sue) Ellefson. Predeceased by his parents; sons, Michael and Billy Ellefson.

Funeral services are at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009 in Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Rockford, Ill. Burial is in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation one hour prior to service time on Thursday at the funeral home.