Chris Ellefson

Chrystal “Chris” Ellefson, 69, of Waukon, IA, passed away at her home in Waukon on Thursday, July 9, 2026. No services are planned at this time, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family.

Chrystal “Chris” Ellefson was born January 6, 1957, in Brooklyn, NY, to Robert and Nancy (Burr) Bertrand. The family moved to Wausau, WI, in 1959, and she attended St. Michael's Elementary School and graduated from Newman High School. Later on, Chris found her way to Northeast Iowa, where she resided in McGregor; there she found lots of friends, including Betty Breitspecher, who became one of her best friends. She managed the Marathon station in Prairie Du Chein, WI, before relocating to Green Bay, WI, to manage the Marathon there. She also cleaned the Wells Fargo Bank branch in Green Bay. While there, she made many friends again, all the while riling up the Packer fans, being a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan.

In June 2001, she was introduced to the love of her life Walter “Wally” Ellefson and on September 13, 2002, they married and lived in Waukon, IA. During her time here, Chris met another lady whom she thought more of as a sister than a best friend, Ida Heins, and they were quite a pair. Chris and Wally weren't able to have children, but they loved the many dogs they had throughout their 25 years together very much.

Chris is survived by her husband Wally; her beloved dogs, who were her children; a sister Tanya Mai (Bruce Cronin) of Wellford, SC; many nieces and nephews; and very special people in her life: Ashlee, Annie, Jodi, and Patty Heins. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Minnie; and best friends Betty Breitspecher and Ida Heins.