Elsie Nora Werner age 94 of Wabasso passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2012 in Mendota Heights.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Willow Lake Township.

Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.  Interment is in the church cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Elsie Nora Werner was born May 31, 1918 on the family farm in Willow Lake Township to August and Anna (Lapschies) Krueger.  She was baptized and confirmed at Willow Lake.  Elsie attended country school districts 27 and 67.  On June 10, 1936 she was united in marriage to Ernest A. Werner at the Trinity Lutheran parsonage.  She lived on the family farm from then until October 27, 2011.  Then Elsie moved to Heart to Home Assisted Living in Mendota Heights to be closer to her daughters.  Elsie was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran church where she was active as a Sunday School teacher and in Ladies Aid.  She was also a member of the Home Extension Club.  Elsie enjoyed her life on the farm.  She especially loved the fall harvest season.  Her children fondly remember coming home from school to the smell of baked buns, bread, rolls, and apple pies.  She loved traveling with her husband Ernest.  They traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and much of the rest of the United States.  Elsie also enjoyed spending time at her cabin on Norway Lake.  Elsie and Ernest spent their winters in Mesa, AZ for over 25 years.  While at her assisted living home she enjoyed playing Bingo, embroidering, and doing crafts.  Living in Mendota Heights over the past year gave her the opportunity to spend more time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Elsie is survived by her children: Diane (LeRoy) Pahan of Alexandria, Roger (Joyce) Werner of Wabasso, Gayl Werner of Eagan, Jeanine (Jim) Nelson of Pierre, SD, Renee (Roger) Eichten of Eagan, and Bonnie (Steve) Kersting of Lakeville; grandchildren: Marlene (Tom) Boggs, Darlys Gibbs, Kevin Rucktaeschel (Mary Harliep), Dale (Andrea) Pahan, Jody Werner (Mike Trost), Wendy (Dan) Dahl, Cindy (Duane) Heiling, Gina (Andy) McCabe, Brent (Monica) Eichten, Nikki (Jason) Leverone, Krista Eichten (Paul Latimer), Jessica (Chad) Harmer, Ashley (Mike) Kimlinger, and Lichele Werner.  She is also survived by 24 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Ernest, son Ernie Werner Jr., grandsons Ronald Rucktaeschel and Brian Nelson, and 11 siblings.