Paul Ellefson, 95, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023 after a brief illness.
Born in Kenosha on January 6, 1928, the son of Swerra and Matilda Ellefson, he graduated from Bradford High School before serving in the U.S. Army. After discharge, he graduated from the Chicago College of Optometry. On June 2, 1951, he married the love of his life, Lila Boris, and they had three daughters. He was an optometrist for 30 years and upon retirement enjoyed summers on Washington Island and winters in Panama City Beach, Florida. He got a thrill from cheering on his grandchildren in their soccer tournaments and even traveled to Europe to watch them compete. He loved fishing with his brother and daughter and remained an avid golfer well into his eighties, enjoying his Island golf group almost daily during the summer months. Paul was happiest at their Washington Island cottage, enjoying the view of Lake Michigan from his deck as family and friends came to visit.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lila; his daughters Cathy Mann of Washington Island, Karen Mitchell of Pray, Montana, and Nancy (Shawn Whalen) Ellefson of Mequon; his six grandchildren, Courtney (Eric) DeJardin of Washington Island, Kyle (Christine) Mann of De Pere, Colby (Kyle) Sawyer of De Pere, Kent (Jana) Mann of Jacksonville, Florida, Parker (Jenny) Mynchenberg of Chicago, Kyle (Symantha) Mynchenberg of Ormond, Florida, and his eight great grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his brother Dick Ellefson, his sisters Marilyn Duban and Bernice Rugg, and many brothers and sisters in law.
The Ellefson family offers their sincerest thanks to their caregivers and the staff at The Addison of Pleasant Prairie for their care and compassion.
No funeral is planned. Paul always said how blessed he was to have such a great family and so many fantastic friends. The family hopes you take a moment to remember and celebrate his wonderful life.
