September 2, 1921 – Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Service Information
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville
Saturday, December 12, 2009
1:30 P.M.
Visitation Information
Erna Lydia Elfmann, age 88, of Annandale and formerly of Maple Lake passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Centennial Villa.
She was born on September 2, 1921 in Chatham Township, Wright County the daughter of Adolph & Ida Uecker Goerke.
Erna was baptized on October 2nd, 1921 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township. She was also instructed and confirmed in the Christian faith on April 4, 1935 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Her Confirmation verse was Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
On October 4, 1943, Erna L. Goerke and Arthur J. Elfmann were joined in holy marriage. God blessed their marriage with three children: Sharon, Judy and Michael.
Erna and Art lived on his family’s homestead in Albion Township, Wright County and engaged in dairy farming for many years. Erna also was formerly employed at The Carlson Doll Company in Maple Lake and as a caregiver at Park View Care Center in Buffalo.
She was a faithful, lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township and also belonged to the L.W.M.L.
Erna was a devoted & loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She always took special pride in her family.
Survived by children: Sharon (Don) Olean of Annandale, Judy (Ron) Peterson and Michael Elfmann all of Maple Lake; six grandchildren: Mark (Barb) Olean, Melissa (Adam) Perry, Melanie (Jared) Frederick, Sean (Kristi) Peterson, Jason (Susan) Peterson and Tracy (James) Carlson; six great grandchildren: Trevor & Tanner Olean, Caden & Griffin Peterson, Noah Peterson and Gavin Carlson; two sisters-in-law: Dora Schmidt of Coon Rapids and Glady Goerke of Maple Lake; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her husband: Arthur J. Elfmann, a great grandson: Daniel Clarence Olean, her parents and by nine brothers and sisters: Ted, Lydia, Ida, Ella, Adolph, Arthur, Walter, Herbert and Esther.
Funeral services for Erna Elfmann will be held on Saturday, December 12th at 1:30 P.M. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township, rural Annandale. Interment Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery. Pastor Machula will officiate. Organists will be Ruth Goerke and Jeanette Beckala.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 11th from 4-8 P.M. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 P.M.
Further visitation will be held on Saturday, December 12th one hour prior to services at the church.
Casket Bearers will be Mark Olean, Sean Peterson, Jason Peterson, James Carlson, Jared Frederick and Adam Perry.
Erna was one of the most genuine, loving, and greatful people I have had the privlege to know. She will be missed greatly but never forgotten. Erna lives on threw Sherry, Judy, and Mike, what a great example of their parents faith, love, and values. I truely feel blessed just for knowing Erna and her family. Erna was an angel on earth long before she became one in heaven. Erna please don’t forget the little promise you made me now that you are in heaven, give Elvis a kiss for me!I love you and I will see again one day.
TO Ernas family I just loved your mom.She was so kind and so generous with her love. May you find peace in knowing she is with our Lord and will be forever remembered and loved. with deepest sympathy Mary Jo Pribyl
My family and I are keeping Aunt Erna and her family in our prayers at this the time of your loss.
My sympathy to you all at this time, your Mother will be greatly missed. She was one of a kind, she always saw the good in all. God give you all strength to hold on to the special memories. Love, Becky
Erna was such a sweetheart. I loved her dearly and I will miss her terribly. Sharon, Judy and Mike, you’re such a wonderful family and cared about your mom so much. I will miss seeing all of you as well here in A.L. Take care and God Bless. Liz
Mike
I just heard about this today (saturday)My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family