"Diane, Ronnie and family, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I know there will be such a void in all of your lives....that beautiful little lady will leave a BIG hole!! She really was a one in a million ray of sunshine to all who knew her! I have so many memories of that "sunshine" over the years, but the ones that stand out the most to me are the days she spent with Linda at the hospital in Denver. Those were dark days and nights for sure, but your mom worked sooooo hard to stay upbeat and positive for Linda. I remember thinking that was the utmost example of the love of a mother for her child.....and I have never forgotten that! I know you all cherish your own special memories of that love. I'm not sure if there was a "St. Elsie" before, but I know there's one now.....and I'll be talking to her!? God bless you all"
In loving memory of
Elsie Eischen
November 28, 1928 - June 2, 2017
Elsie Eischen
(written by Elsie)
I was born in Pioneer, Iowa November 28, 1928 to Walter Wood and Lillie Moore. I later moved to the Irvington area and attended grade school in a country school house in the Galbraeth area. I attended high school in LuVerne, Iowa and graduated in 1947. I worked in a restaurant in Algona until I married Maurice Eischen January 18, 1949 in St. Cecelia Catholic Church. We moved to a farm in the St. Benedict-LuVerne area and then eventually to Agona.
When the children were all in school I worked at Miller's Used Clothing. Later I worked at Harrisons and then to Wiltgens Jewelry from where I retired May 2009 after 17 years.
I loved to cook and bake, especially at Christmas. I loved making Christmas cookies and collecting Santa Clauses. I liked decorating for all of the holidays, especially Christmas. I enjoyed working with flowers during spring and summer. I also enjoyed reading, listening to the Garrigan games on the radio, watching my Hawkeyes on T.V., Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. I also enjoyed attending my children's activities while they were in school and later on my grandchildren's when I could. I enjoyed having coffee with my co-workers from Wiltgens. My true joy was spending time with my family.
I was a member of St. Cecelia's Parish ,New Dimension and KRCH Auxiliary.
I am survived by my daughter Diane (Mike) Ballard of Grimes, Iowa, my son Ron Eischen of Mouton, Iowa as well as five grandchildren, Adam Eischen, Taylor Eischen, Brandt (Lisa) Eischen, Bradley Ballard (Jenna) and Mitchelle (Brian) Greenlee and six great grandchildren, Aidan Eischen, Riley Eischen, Kendall Eischen, Emma Eischen, Mallory Eischen and Isabella Greenlee. Also surviving is one brother, Elton (Shirley) Wood of Whittemore and one sister, Mary Ann Reynolds of Phoenix. I am preceded in death by my parents, my husband Maurice in 2012, daughter Linda in 2000, daughter Vicki in 2005, brothers and sisters Opal Welter, Exemae Wood, Glenn Wood, Kenneth Wood, Walden Wood, Condol Wood, Robert Wood, Leonard Wood, Kathryn Leist, Dorothy Martin, Betty Lou Von Bank, Elizabeth Von Bank, and Bonnie Esser.
Tributes
"Of all the stars that shine in the dark sky of night.You can tell which one is hers.The brightest and most warm to the heart just like her smile.Love you and miss.Rock.M "
"Godmother, Aunt, Friend.......always greeted company with a big smile and a warm welcome. I will remember Elsie for her love of decorating her home for every holiday even if nobody would see it but her, her beautiful flower pots and her enthusiasm for those Iowa Hawkeyes. But mostly for her love of family. Rest in peace aunt Elsie....until we meet again. Mary Buscher"
"Diane and Mike, we were very sorry to hear of your moms passing. I know the wonderful memories and being surrounded by family will keep you strong. Carol and Len"
"Ron and Diane. ..you have our deepest sympathy. ..she lived a fantastic life...prayers for you all....Ron and Jean Becker"
"Oh, Diane & Ron & families...where to begin!?!? Our ties go too far back. From Elsie & Cookie living together before they were married and continuing to stay close friends for so many years to come. And soooo many memories for me over the years. From spending so many summer mornings watching "soaps" at your house... until 11:45. Then we had to scurry to get our chores done before our Mom's came home for lunch!! The days Elsie & Cookie would solve the worlds problems over the clothesline! All the sports trips that I made with your family. All the next door visits of care & support while Mom was sick. And then Elsie moving into our "little house"! So saddened to hear of her death...but I also smile to think of the happy reunion with your Dad, Linda & Vicki. Even after a wonderful long life, it's not easy to say goodbye. You all have so many memories to always keep her in your hearts! God bless you all!! "
"Diane and Mike and family, Ron and family, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for all of you. Your mom was so special to our family always smiling and making you feel thrive, so many memories are flooding in my mind. May God wrap his arms around all of you. Love you, Lana"
"6/2/'17 To Mike and Diane, Ron and Families and relatives, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. my heart is broken but I know Elsie had a wonderful life and is in heaven now resting in Gods Home. She had a heart as big as Algona and Love and Spirit and a Happy Smile that will remain always. With Love and Prayers and Hugs, Mark J.VonBank- Park Rapids, Minnesota.( Nephew)."
"Elsie was a valued employee and the sweetest lady, a real joy to work with both at Wiltgen's and volunteering at funeral dinners. I have so many good memories of Elsie that I will always treasure. Loved her and will miss her dearly.
My prayers are that you will find peace and joy in your memories.
Janet Wiltgen"
"Elsie was a sweet and gentle woman. We always enjoyed her company and the business she sent our way.????'?"