Richard Elefson

Verona, Wisconsin --- R. Vern Elefson, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Noel Manor. Born on August 4, 1930, in Genoa, Colorado, the son of Edward A. Elefson and Eleanore S. Elefson (née Bruch). He grew up on his family farm in Butler, Missouri before he went to Graceland College and the University of Missouri, finally earning his Ph.D. in Agriculture Economics from the University of Minnesota. From 1960 to 1993 he taught on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls where he served as the Chair of the Department of Agriculture Economics. He is remembered for his constant character, for the care of his farm in River Falls, Wisconsin where he lived for 49 years, for his love of Norwegian Fjord horses, wood carving, and music, and for his faithful devotion to his family and to the Lord.

He is survived by his wife Jean Elefson (née O'Brien) and their sons Eric Elefson and Ryan Elefson, by his children Laurie Huseby, Ted Elefson, Beth Avery, Amy Sharier, and Tom Elefson, and by his two sisters Kathryn Sacry and Esther Hoover.

Preceded in death by his father and mother and by his siblings Lyda Graybill, Edward J. Elefson, Elbert Elefson, Don Elefson, Eleanore Jean Stayton, Alice Mohler, and Beth Gamble.

A special thanks to Catherine and Bill Schneider and to Charles and Roxi O'Brien for their assistance to Vern in his last years and to the devoted staff members of Noel Manor and Heartland Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the National Stroke Association. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625