Thomas J. “Tom” Ellefson, age 73, of rural Darlington, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Lafayette Hospital and Clinics in Darlington. He was born June 3, 1952, in Freeport, IL, the son of Glen and Mary Ellefson. Tom grew up in Darlington, WI, and graduated from Darlington High School.
On August 6, 1977, Tom married the love of his life, Betsy Lindsay. Together they started their life farming together in Janesville later moving to Viola and finally returning home to Darlington area and raised their family with love and devotion.
Tom worked for many years with Applied Ecological Services in Brodhead, WI, before forming his own business. His work took him to Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee, where he devoted himself to projects restoring stream banks, watersheds, and other natural areas. He had a deep love for the land and took great pride in his role as a steward of the land. Farming—though he preferred to call himself a “rancher”—was one of his greatest joys.
A proud United States Marine, Tom honorably served his country from 1969 until 1972. That commitment to service and hard work shaped the man he became—steadfast, humble, and devoted to others.
Tom was an avid reader, especially of nonfiction and history, and he cherished evenings spent watching his favorite teams: the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers. Above all, Tom loved his family. He took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, finding joy in watching each of them grow, develop, and shine in their own unique ways.
He is survived by his wife, Betsy; four children: Katie Ellefson, Lindsay (Mark) Woodworth, Hilary (Brent) Whalen, and Jonathan Ellefson; his beloved grandchildren: Zoe, Lily, Addy, Jake, Eva, Ella, Luke, and Lane; two brothers: Bernard Ellefson and Larry Ellefson; five sisters: Jeanie Meier, Cynthia Kinderman, Pamela Ellefson, Sheila Fuentes, and Imelda Majeski; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Phillip Ellefson, Patty Wiegel, and Diana Pattenson; and one brother-in-law: Don Majeski.
A time of fellowship will be held Monday, September 22, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Immanuel United Church of Christ reception room (339 E. Louisa Street, Darlington) with a meal provided by the family. A private family burial will be held in St. Michael's Cemetery in rural Blanchardville on Monday September 22, 2025. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Tom's name.
