Wilma Elbers

Wilma Albertha Elbers was born on May 31, 1933 to Herman and Albertha (Burgess) Van Engelenhoven at their home in Hills, Minnesota. In December of 1933, Wilma and her family relocated to Netherlands for six years. Concerns of war moving into the area caused the family to return to the United States and they made their home in Larchwood, Iowa. After a short time, they relocated once again to Hills where Wilma graduated from Hills High School. On June 14, 1951, Wilma was united in marriage to Gilbert John Elbers at the Christian Reformed Church in Hills. The couple made their first home in Steen, Minnesota before relocating to Luverne, Minnesota in April of 1964. Wilma worked as a seamstress and cleaned many homes in the Luverne area until her retirement at age 70. She even continued to work during her battle with cancer. On April 5, 1983, Gilbert preceded Wilma in death. Wilma remained in their home until 2017 when she relocated to her apartment. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Wilma died peacefully at the Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth, Minnesota at the age of 91 years, 10 months, and 5 days.

Wilma was baptized at the Christian Reformed Church in Hills before becoming a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. Wilma enjoyed playing cards with friends and, like her mother, she was an avid reader.

Wilma is remembered by her children, Douglas Lee (Pam) of San Diego, California, Linda Rae (Greg) Sanders of Midland, Michigan, and Warren Alan of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren, Chad Alan Sneller, Angela Joy Sneller Glover, Marisa Sue Elbers, Samantha Lynn Elbers, Jesse John Sanders, and Kyle Gregory Sanders; great-grandchildren, Amber Rae Sneller, Tyler William Schymanski, Jacob Alan Sanders, Sydney Emily Sneller, Aleigh Sanders, Ava Marie Sanders, Aubrey Faith Sanders; great-great- grandchildren, Emily Marie Nicks, Ellie Nicks and Kaden Nicks; brothers, Gerrit of Sioux Center, Iowa and Herman (Sharon) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert; granddaughter, Amber Rae Sanders; her parents; brother Gerrit; and sister-in-law, Jenny Van Engelenhoven.