Elsie M. Larson

ELSIE MARTHA LARSON was born to Martin and Emma (Scheidt) Stelzer on November 18, 1924 in Marion, South Dakota. She was raised on the farm and attended country school through the eighth grade. In 1942, she graduated from Marion High School. Elsie then attended and completed her degree at Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Following college, Elsie moved to Jasper, Minnesota and went to work as a licensed cream tester for a creamery. She was also employed at the local hardware store. On April 13, 1952, Elsie was united in marriage to Vincent Larson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper. The couple made their home first in Jasper, then rural Pipestone, Minnesota, before settling in Ihlen, Minnesota in 1960. They were blessed with two daughters. After raising the girls, Elsie returned to the hardware store until its closing, when she formally retired. Vincent preceded her in death on January 15, 1986. Elsie later met Charles Bonte and the two married on May 16, 1992 in Jasper. Following their marriage, the couple resided in Garretson, South Dakota until Charles’ death on February 27, 1996. Elsie returned to Ihlen where she continued to reside until she experienced a stroke in November, 2013. In December, 2013 she moved to Mountain Lake, Minnesota and became a resident at the Good Samaritan Society – Village. On Saturday, May 24, 2014 Elsie went to be with her Lord at the age of 89 years, six months and six days.

Elsie was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper where she participated in the Ladies Aid. She was currently a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. She belonged to the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, served on council for the City of Ihlen for many years, was treasurer of the Ihlen State Park and volunteered often with the Red Cross. Elsie loved gardening (especially her rhubarb plants) and enjoyed sewing quilts and making hot pad holders for family members and friends. She also enjoyed following the Minnesota Twins on the radio. She loved her children, grandchildren, and later in life, her great-grandchildren.

Elsie is survived by her two daughters, Mary Willaby of Mountain Lake, Randi Ebsen-Schumann and her husband Larry of Marshall, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Aron (Kendra) Willaby of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, Krystle Willaby of Chandler, Arizona, Marti (Eric) Gilbertson of Storden, Minnesota, and Clint (Sandi) Ebsen of Little Falls, Minnesota; four great-grandchildren, Victoria and Verlyn Gilbertson and Nolan and Miya Ebsen; three siblings, Herb (Kathy) Stelzer of Sioux Falls, Ervin (Ida) Stelzer of Sioux Falls, and Art Stelzer of Mountain Lake; sister-in-law, Helen Sager-Stelzer of Sioux Falls; and other family. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Vincent; grandson, Adam Willaby; second husband, Charles; parents; and two siblings, Norma Anderson and Bob Stelzer.