Zaleme Ellefson

Zaleme Ellefson, age 102 of Viroqua, died Monday, May 3, 2010. Zaleme (McHenry) Ellefson, 102 of Viroqua, died on Monday, May 3, 2010. She was born on October 7, 1907 in Viroqua to Perry and Myrtie (Primmer) McHenry. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1925 and attended Vernon County Normal School where she graduated and taught school for three years at Dach Ridge School. Zaleme married Odean Ellefson on November 26, 1931. To this union three children were born, Christian Paul, David Odean, and Jean. She was a member of Viroqua United Methodist Church until her marriage to Odean, which took place at the Viroqua Lutheran Church parsonage, and she continued her life long membership in Good Shepherd Lutheran Chruch. Zaleme was very active in Ladies Aid, Priscilla Circle, Altar Guild and worked as secretary for the Sunday School for many years. She was a member of the Lionettes and Homemakers for many years. Zaleme loved to knit and especially enjoyed making mittens for three generations of children and grandchildren and many school children. Her beloved grandmother, Ann Latimer McHenry, lived with the family after her mother, Myrties death in 1910. She is survived by her daughter, Jean Ellefson of Viroqua; daughter-in-law, Gerry Ellefson of Viroqua; grandchildren: Christi (Dave) Reed, Eric Ellefson, Hans Ellefson and Heidi (Andy) Gruse; great-grandchildren: Leslie Getter (Mike) Henrikson, Jessica (Chris) Huschka, Benjamin and Matthew Gruse, Elaine and Aaron Ellefson; great-great-grandchildren: Torsten and Anna Henrikson and Kylie and Allie Huschka. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Perry and Myrtie McHenry; her husband, Odean Ellefson; son, Christian Paul Ellefson; infant son, David Odean Ellefson; sister, Delores McHenry Hilleque; step mother, Madge McHenry; step-brothers: Joel and David Wilson; grandmother and grandfather, Joseph and Ann (Latimer) McHenry. Blessed be our memory of Zaleme Ellefson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 7, 2010 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. The Rev. Lindsay Paul Jordan and The Rev. Margaret Eiben Hoversten will officiate with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. In Lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.