Mabel Ellefson

Mabel Ellefson, 98, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Chapel. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home.

Mabel Katherine Christensen was born January 1, 1926 at the Dell Rapids Hospital. The daughter to Christian and Marie (Lousten) Christensen of Dell Rapids.

Mabel attended grade school at Rural De Vaney School in Dell Rapids. She moved to a farm near Trent with her parents and finished 8th grade. She graduated from Trent High School in 1943. She worked on her parent’s farm until they moved to Dell Rapids.

She was employed by Mr. Hansen who operated the Dell Rapids Bakery. In a few years she went to work for Dick Krantz who owned Marshall Well store for many years. She taught Sunday School, was an avid bowler and was proud of her membership to the 600 Series Club. She received many pins, patches, bracelets during her years of bowling.

She married Harvey Ellefson on June 25, 1947. They lived on a farm near Jasper, MN for many years until they moved to Dell Rapids and purchased the Conoco Station.

Mabel went to work in the office of the Dell Rapids Community Hospital for 25 years, retiring in 1988. That year she was presented with a plaque “Pride of Dell Rapids” for Business Woman of the Year. Her nomination was submitted by Carol Mergen. That same year, a plaque in appreciation of dedicated service to the Dell Rapids Community Hospital was presented to her by Walter Baedke of administration. After a few months of retirement, she returned to the workforce to Tim’s Food Market for 12 years; Subway for 5 years, Deli of Dell Rapids for 5 years, Dollar Smart for 2 years. She enjoyed every minute!

She was a member of the Dell Rapids Lutheran Church and American Legion Auxiliary which she served as President and Secretary. She was also involved in Lutheran Ladies Aid and Esther Circle.

Mabel is survived by daughter, Cherlyn (Duane) Overvaag of Watertown. Five grandchildren: Chad, Bryan, Kelli, Seth and Matthew. Great Grandchildren: Samara, Willow, Haylee, Ashlee, Lexie, Olivia, Levi, Avery, Lucy, Harvey and Mojave. One sister, Doris (Wallace) Johnson of Sioux Falls, Cathy Frantzen of Dell Rapids and many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey, her son Gary Ellefson, parents, brother Robert, sisters Edna McGinty, Valborg Janssen and sister-in-law Alice Hansen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mabel Ellefson, please visit our floral store.