Brian Waugh Ellefson, a man known for his boundless positivity and kind spirit, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. A resident of Ridgeview Village in Olathe, Kansas, Brian left this world just as he lived in it, with grace and dignity. Born on December 3, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was the beloved son of the late Verdun and Helen Ellefson.
Despite many challenges, Brian overcame all odds and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School and went on to earn both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Emporia State University. These accomplishments paved the way for a career dedicated to service. Brian spent his life as an advocate for those with disabilities and served many roles toward this passion. He took great pride in chairing the annual Greater Kansas City Disability Mentoring Day for over 20 years. He was a dedicated member on numerous boards and committees, including the Kansas Council for Disability Concerns, the Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas, The Whole Person, and the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy. His participation earned him multiple awards and honors of recognition, too many to include here. He was honored with the prestigious Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat at Kaufmann Stadium in 2014, a distinction recognizing those who make a profound difference in the Kansas City community.
When he wasn't serving others, Brian knew how to enjoy life. He was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on his favorite teams in baseball, football, and college basketball. He was an accomplished bowler and played in a league for many years. He loved spending time with family and friends, playing games (especially Euchre), and traveling whenever he could. Of all the places he visited, Las Vegas remained his absolute favorite destination.
Those who knew Brian best will remember him as an extraordinary mentor, volunteer, and lifelong disability advocate who personally lived the philosophy of independent living. He was an inspiration to all that knew him, always positive and upbeat, and rarely, if ever, complaining. He met obstacles with patience, humor, and determination. He will be remembered for his dedication, ever-present wit, incredible memory, and compassion. A close friend of Brian’s said, “He filled his life with helping others and, along the way, built a wide and lasting community of friends and colleagues.”
Faith was the foundation of Brian’s life. A lifelong Lutheran, he attended church every Sunday and served his congregation faithfully by volunteering on the church council and numerous other events and projects. His life was a true reflection of his values and his trust in God.
Brian was a cherished brother, uncle, son, and friend. Brian is survived by his sister, Linda Larson (Randy), his nieces, Katrin Hendricks (Ben), Ann Richardson (Chad), Lauren McCoy, and Paula VanSickle (Taylor), and great nieces and nephews. He was so very proud of his nieces and enjoyed spending time with them. He is reunited in heaven with his brother, Jeffrey Ellefson, and his parents, Verdun and Helen Ellefson, where he can now see and run!
A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1st, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, March 2nd, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 9100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Metro Lutheran Ministry or Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.
