Ellef Erlien, age 93, of Twin Valley, MN, died Wednesday, March 02, 2011 in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley.

Ellef Clifford Erlien was born August 24, 1917, the son of Sigurd and Anna (Edlund) Erlien in Benedict, ND. He was raised on a farm near Grenora, ND where he attended school. Following his high school graduation, Ellef attended Minot State College and received a four year teaching degree. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army proudly serving in Hawaii during World War II. After his honorable discharge in 1945, Ellef went to the Twin Cities where he met the love of his life, Alfie, at a Sons of Norway dance. On September 15, 1946, Ellef was united in marriage to Alfield Dahle in Concordia Lutheran Church in Fertile, Minnesota. Ellef then furthered his education at Worsham Mortuary College in Chicago, IL where he received a degree in mortuary science. Ellef and Alfie moved to Blue Earth, MN where he served his mortuary internship at the Forsman Funeral Home. They made their home in Blue Earth for several years while Ellef continued to work at the funeral home also working part-time for the Schwan's Company. After that they moved to Spring Lake Park, MN where he was employed for six years at the Minneapolis Steel Plant. In December of 1959, Ellef and Alfie purchased the Wagstrom Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Ellef operated the Erlien Funeral Home for 24 years, where he served the Twin Valley, Gary, Flom and Ulen communities until his retirement in 1983. During that time he also provided the community with the only ambulance service for over 20 years. Throughout his career Ellef always keep current and up to date in his profession by attending conventions, workshops, seminars and continuing education classes. During the time Ellef was a mortician in this community, records show he served over 1200 families at their time of need and made over 1000 ambulance runs. After retirement Ellef and Alfie continued to live in their home in Twin Valley and traveled often. Alfie passed away in September of 2010 at which time Ellef entered the Twin Valley Living Center to make his home.

Ellef was always very active in the community, as a business owner and dedicated resident. Over the years he has served as a Boy Scout leader, a Lake Agassiz Bookmobile trustee, and was a member of the Norman County Airport Committee for 15 years. Ellef was a 50 year member of the Twin Valley Lions club and a 21 year veteran of the Twin Valley Fire Department. He also was elected Mayor of Twin Valley for two terms helping with city government, also serving on the City Council for several terms. Ellef was involved with the Sons of Norway and the Hadeland Lodge. He was an active member of the Twin Valley Nesseth-Lien Post #431 of the American Legion where he was past commander. Ellef was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served as a member of the Trustees and Deacons, was a Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, and was a member of the church choir for 50 years. Professionally he had been a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Minnesota Funeral Directors Association and was a member of the District # 10 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. During his career and for several years after retirement, Ellef held a license to practice Mortuary Science in the state of Minnesota and was a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of North Dakota.

Ellef was an accomplished woodworker and was most known for beautiful Norwegian coffee tables and woodcarvings. He enjoyed dancing, and playing several instruments, including the mandolin, guitar, accordion, and the piano. Ellef sang at many weddings and countless funerals, often times in Norwegian. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. Ellef and Alfie enjoyed traveling and cherished their several trips to Norway, Florida, North Dakota, and Hawaii. Every fall for several years Ellef and Alfie enjoyed the Bemidji Norwegian Language Camp with Alfie's two sisters and brother. Most of all he treasured his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Everyone who ever knew Ellef will never forget his warm smile, hearty handshakes and big bear hugs.

Ellef is survived by sons, Darryl (Marianne) Erlien of Circle Pines, MN and Duane (Betsy) Erlien of Andover, MN; daughters, Sharon (Jim) Peterson of Rice Lake, WI and Yvonne (Tom) Ryan of Mahnomen, MN; ten grandchildren, David (Christine) Erlien, Brian (Leann Dauer) Erlien, Erin Roering, Janna (Chris Orkney) Erlien, Steve (Jennifer) Peterson, Derek (Debbie) Erlien, Paul Roering, Kristi (Tim) Heath, Brianna (Jesse Dabrowski) Erlien and Kelsey Erlien; two great-grandchildren, Elliana Erlien and Owen Heath.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his, wife and four brothers, Leon, Norman, Harold and a brother that died shortly after birth.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 7th at 11:00am in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Visitation will be Sunday, March 6th from 2 to 5 pm with a Prayer Service at 4:00pm in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Officiating will be Pastor Ann Pairan with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Monica Winter as vocalist. Ellef's grandsons will serve as pallbearers; David Erlien, Brian Erlien, Derek Erlien, Steven Peterson and Paul Roering. Military honors will be provided by the Twin Valley Nessseth-Lien Post #431 of the American Legion.
Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.