Adrian Emil Elfe, affectionately known as “Ade,” passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Ade was born on March 4, 1945, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Adrian and Clara Elfe (née Larson). He later made his home in Wisconsin and Colorado, where he built a life defined by service, integrity, curiosity, and deep devotion to family.

Adrian was married to the love of his life, Gail Elfe (née Tuchalski), for 58 years. Their story began simply—after one date with a friend of Gail’s didn’t go well, Adrian asked Gail out instead, and as Gail fondly said, “it took.” Together, they built a strong and loving family and celebrated many meaningful milestones.

Adrian is survived by his beloved wife, Gail; his son, Allan Elfe, Sr. (Laura); his daughter, Amy Duckett (Karl); his grandchildren, Allan Elfe Jr. (AJ) and Emma Elfe; and his sisters, Connie Ferguson (Kenneth), Diane MacDonald (Mark), and Melody Borher (Gary). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he cherished deeply.

He graduated from Muskego High School and earned an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Waukesha County Technical College. Adrian began his career at General Electric before voluntarily enlisting in the United States Navy, believing it was important to serve where he chose rather than be drafted. He served two tours in Vietnam as a radar communications technician and survived a helicopter crash during his service—an experience that became one of many stories reflecting his resilience and courage.

After returning home from Vietnam, Adrian resumed his career at General Electric. Several years later, GE sold its pacemaker business to Telectronics, and in 1982, Ade and his family relocated to Colorado when the company moved its operations. Over more than 40 years in the medical device industry, Adrian became a highly respected leader in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs. He retired as a corporate executive from Spectranetics Corporation after 17 years of service as Vice President of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance, where he played a key role in the development of life-saving cardiovascular medical devices.

Following retirement, Adrian continued his professional passion through Elfe Consulting, where he advised medical device companies on quality systems, regulatory compliance, risk management, and process validation. A Fellow of the American Society for Quality and a Certified Quality Manager, Adrian was widely respected for his wisdom, technical expertise, and mentorship.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Adrian was a man of faith and curiosity. As a teenager, he taught Sunday school at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He loved to explore, read Popular Mechanics, and watch shows such as American Pickers, Storage Wars, and Zombie House Flipping. He enjoyed cheering for his favorite NASCAR driver, Bill Elliott, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos.

Ade often joked that he was “flexible and easy going” and regularly reminded his grandchildren to “use wisdom.” He could fix just about anything and engineer a solution to nearly any problem. He taught his son Allan how to repair and build, and together they restored the famous red Bronco while Allan was in high school. His daughter Amy fondly remembers spending time with him in the kitchen, making apple crisps from a cherished family recipe.

Immensely proud of his children, Ade took special joy in time spent with his grandchildren—whether go-carting in the Wisconsin Dells with Emma and AJ, raking pine needles with AJ in Colorado, or cooking his legendary breakfasts of pancakes and bacon when they spent the night.

Ade never lost his appreciation for good food. He especially loved Gail’s meatloaf—the very first meal she ever made for him—and had a well-known sweet tooth. Ice cream and cookies were favorites, a love he shared with his granddaughter Emma, while eating cruller were something he and his grandson AJ enjoyed together.

Adrian lived a life of service, curiosity, and quiet strength. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the problems he solved, and the love he shared so generously.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.