Willig, Elsie (1927-2012)

WILLIG, JORSTAD, KOCH, HANSON, WILKINSON

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/25/2012 at 00:00:05

Elsie Willig
August 23, 1927 - November 5, 2012

FOREST CITY - Elsie Willig, 85, of Forest City, died Monday, November 5, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, surrounded by her family.

Elsie was born to Oscar "Popo" and Laura Jorstad of Kenyon, Minnesota, in 1927. In 1949, she graduated from St. Olaf College. While at St. Olaf, she met Harley Hanson of Forest City. The couple married in 1949 and lived in Decorah, Iowa, before moving to Forest City in 1950. After Harley's death in 1980, she married Lloyd Willig of Forest City in 1981. Lloyd died in 2010.

Passionate about human relationships, Elsie became a volunteer extraordinaire benefitting all of Forest City over the decades. She, especially, loved to work with Forest City's young people. At Immanuel Lutheran Church, she served for many years as superintendent of Vacation Bible School and as a catechist for confirmation classes. She also was an instructor in Immanuel’s Bethel Bible Study program as well as a member of several pastoral call committees. In addition, Elsie belonged to the local P. E. O. chapter. She loved to read, liked a good glass of wine, and let loose a spirited "Uff da" now and again.

Elsie traveled widely and loved to explore out-of-the way places. She and Lloyd enjoyed many rounds of golf as well as Iowa Hawkeye football games. She, however, valued family and friends above all else. She especially enjoyed spending time in Hayward, Wisconsin, with her blended family.

Elsie is survived by her brother, Erling Jorstad; her children, Stephanie (Fred) Koch, Mark Hanson, Dana (Mark) Wilkinson, and her son-in-law, Paul Harrington; as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Curtis and Oscar Jorstad; her husbands, Harley Hanson and Lloyd Willig; and her daughter, Dawn Harrington.

Elsie would appreciate donations to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Forest City in lieu of flowers.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 PM, Friday, November 9, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, Iowa, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Inurnment will be at Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Copyright © 2012, Petersen Lund Funeral Home

Petersen Lund Funeral Home
 

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