Nina Mae Neumann Ellefson, age 95, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019 at Monroe Manor in Barron. 

Nina was born on September 6, 1924 in Barron, to John and Sigrid Geizendanner.  She grew up on the Krea Lawn (dairy) farm south of Barron and graduated from Barron High School in 1942. She then attended the Minneapolis Business School, returning to Barron to work at the First National Bank.  She married Melvin D. Neumann in 1947 and moved to Milwaukee, so he could finish dental school at Marquette University.  They moved back to Barron when they had the opportunity to buy a dental business here. 

To this union 3 children were born – Janet, Barry, and Carla. They loved raising their family in a small town and spent many summers enjoying the northern Wisconsin lakes and in 1968 built a cabin near Cumberland.  Her beloved husband, Melvin, died in 1969.  She then decided to go back to work and worked at the Barron Elementary School until her retirement.  In 1975 she married Donald M. Ellefson, and they made their home first in Barron then Cameron.  For 10 years they owned and operated the Barron A & W Root Beer Stand.  After selling that business, they enjoyed traveling and wintering in Florida until Don passes away in 2013.

She lived a full life filled with many adventures including travel to Europe, Japan, and all over the USA.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.  During her lifetime, she enjoyed sewing, knitting, skiing, walking, doing jigsaw puzzles and was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Barron.  She often talked of how she loved the chance to visit her father’s home in Switzerland.  Spending time with her family was of highest priority & she was able to host all the holiday dinners until well into her 80’s.

Nina is survived by her children, Janet (Tam) Howie of Luck, Barry Neumann of Albequerque, NM; son-in-law, Mark Grey of Eau Claire; step-daughters, Pat (Rick) Bjelland of Barron, and Sandy Murney of Palm Desert, CA; grandchildren, Joshua (Jennifer) Hetfeld, Megan (Adam) Snegosky, Nick (Christy) Hetfeld, Maggie (Mitch) Wampole, and Andrew Grey; step-grandsons, Joshua (Jamie) Howie, Micheal (Rebekah) Bjelland, Jon (Chelsey) Bjelland and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Melvin Neumann and Donald Ellefson; daughter, Carla Grey and brother, Earl Giezendanner. 

A memorial service for Nina Ellefson will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Barron with Rev. Ron Mathews officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday morning.  Burial will be at Wayside Cemetery in Barron. 

The family would like to thank everyone at Monroe Manor for their loving care during her 2 ½ year stay there.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron. 

Last Update: Dec 28, 2019 11:01 am CST