Evelyn Elsbernd

Evelyn Elsbernd, age 92 of Calmar, IA, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Barthell O.E.S in Decorah, IA surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 304 South Maryville Street, Calmar, IA, with Rev. Henry Huber presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 304 South Maryville Street, Calmar, IA. There will be no visitation prior to the service on Wednesday morning, attendees are asked to please come in and be seated. In Lieu of flowers: memorials may go to WinnMed Hospice or to the Calmar Library in memory of Evelyn. Evelyn Clara was born on April 30, 1932 to Ben and Rose (Rausch) Bodensteiner at their home in rural Fayette County near St Lucas, IA. She graduated from St. Luke’s High School in 1950 and then helped her siblings with their families. Evelyn met the love of her life, Lawrence Elsbernd, at a dance in West Union. They were married on August 1, 1951 at St Luke’s Catholic Church in St Lucas. They were married for 68 years and were blessed with 9 children. Evelyn was a busy farm wife, steadfastly contributing to the farming operation while tending large gardens and beautiful flower beds. Her life revolved around her faith, family and community. She was a 4H leader, volunteer at the hospital gift shop, and active member of St. Aloysius Parish and the church choir. A talented musician, Evelyn learned to play the piano and accordion by ear and entertained many with her polka songs. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, cheering for the Hawkeyes, golfing, and family fishing trips. Her favorite vacation was a 3 week trip to Germany where they met relatives. Evelyn began making quilts after she and Lawrence moved from the farm to their home in Calmar in 1988. She made over 70 large quilts as well as baby quilts and other smaller projects she lovingly shared with her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, of whom she was so proud. Evelyn’s warm smile and hospitality was enjoyed by many. She had a unique ability to throw a meal together on a moment’s notice and it was difficult to leave their home without enjoying a homemade baked good or ice cream. Evelyn transitioned to the nursing home in 2020 where she participated in trivia, music, and bingo activities and taught others to play cards. Her treat drawer and candy dish was enjoyed by all. Evelyn loved her caregivers and had the ability to make everyone who came to her room feel important. Her kindness was abundant, her faith evident, and she brought joy to all who knew her. Evelyn is survived by her children: Floyd (Brenda) Elsbernd, West Des Moines; Wanda (Ron) Barloon, Bella Vista, AK; Cheryl Frye, Decorah; Duane (Sharon) Elsbernd, Calmar; Cindy (Marty) Jestrab, Protivin; Leon (Denise) Elsbernd, Calmar; Lois (Dennis) Bohr, Decorah; Neal (Rita) Elsbernd, Calmar; Dan (Paige) Elsbernd, Charles City. Grandchildren: Heather (Ryan) Schreck, Katie (Greg) Brown, Ben (Ashley) Elsbernd, Ronda (Jeff) Brooks, Jessica (Jay) Widmer, Sara (Bill) Omar, Dawn (Luke) Guthrie, Luke Elsbernd, Dustin Elsbernd, Erica Elsbernd, Jenna Elsbernd (fiancé Jake Stalzer), Eric (Irene) Jestrab, Lisa (Jordan) Collins, Brian (Ashley) Jestrab, Lindsey (Jamie) Haas, Jake (Jena) Elsbernd, Danielle (Kevin) Rawson, Jaimie Elsbernd (friend Nolan Kuennen), Aaron (Lindsey) Bohr, Nicole Bohr, Adam (Chelsey) Bohr, Sami (Luke) Thornton, Matt (Theresa) Elsbernd, Conner Miller, Levi (Helen) Miller, and Alec Elsbernd. Great-grandchildren: Elliott, Tyler, Annie, Arthur, Amelia, Jackson, Parker, Judson, Drew, Kylie (Adam), Haley, Jace, Garret, Cadem, Tyce, Krew, Mila, Kyson, Ava, Rya, Sienna, Sawyer, Taelynn, Lincoln, Jackson, Kennedy, Brett, Charlotte, Ethan, Marcas, Maddux, Emma, Gracie, Landry, Quinn, Malcom, Lauren, and Avery. Brothers and sisters in law: Agnes Hackman, Anna Mae Kuhn, Sr. Helen Elsbernd, Clare Faas, Denis (Jackie) Elsbernd, Larry Schissel, Sr. Rosie Elsbernd, Ray (Donna) Elsbernd, along with many nieces and nephews, She was preceded in death by her husband: Lawrence on March 4, 2020; Parents: Ben and Rose (Rausch) Bodensteiner; Great grandson: Owen Schreck; Grandson-in-law: Aaron Lalk; Siblings: Elizabeth (Ben) Schaufenbuel, Arnold (Ruth) Bodensteiner, Linus (Rita) Bodensteiner, Corina (Donald) Deeny, Alice (Louis) Einck, Dennis (Irene) Bodensteiner, Lorraine (Ken) Kuennen, Marion (Dennis) Heying; Father and mother-in-law: Alois and Loretta (Kuennen) Elsbernd; and Brothers and sisters-in-law: Paul (Darlene) Elsbernd, Joe Hackman, Ray Kuhn, Fr. Elmer Elsbernd, Jerry (JoAnn) Elsbernd, Dick Faas, Kathleen Schissel.