Reuben Ellefson, Westby… age 89, passed away on the evening of December 6, 2025, in the company of family at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby, Wisconsin, the city he called home for nearly 60 years.
Reuben served as a U.S. Navy firefighter for two years as a young man, which allowed him to travel to places like Greece, Spain, France, and more, after which he married the love of his life, Eileen Claire Boland.
Reuben led a very active life and valued hard work and education. He worked for many years at Cooler Company in La Crosse and later at Vernon Electric in Westby, attending classes at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He served on Our Savior’s Council and was an original board member and part of the planning committee for Norseland Nursing Home. Reuben was also a member of the Westby Fire Department, the Westby Chapter of the Sons of Norway, and the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association, in addition to being an active member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church.
Reuben was very active in the Snowflake Ski Club, helping to coach many jumpers, including his sons.
To many, Reuben was known as the Lefse King and refused to share his secrets with anyone outside of the family. He was also known as Pinky, Dad, Grandpa, the big kid who played hide-and-seek, and a friend who will be dearly missed.
A Funeral Service for Reuben will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Additional visitation will be held Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Viroqua.