Elsbernd, Gladys (Huinker) 1932 - 2021

ELSBERND, HUINKER, PITZENBURGER, WATT, HEMESATH, KUHN, SMITH, BROWN, CHAPLIN, ANDRIST, HAGEMAN, WILLIAM

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/2/2021 at 20:25:04

Gladys Elsbernd, age 88 of Decorah, IA, passed of natural causes on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at her home in Decorah, IA.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at the St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in the St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Calmar.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the Church.

Everyone attending is asked to please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Memorials may be sent to her family at: 710 Clearview Dr., Decorah, IA 52101

Gladys Huinker was born near Calmar on October 17, 1932, the daughter of Edmund and Mathilda (Pitzenburger) Huinker. She graduated from Calmar High School in 1950. While in high school, she participated in plays, a cheerleader, class officer and Homecoming Queen. After graduation she was employed with an Insurance real estate and investment firm in Decorah. She enjoyed sports and was softball pitcher for Interstate Power Company team, and active in Rural Young Peoples (RYP) organization.

Gladys was united in marriage to Roger Elsbernd in 1954, her long-time high school friend. Together they farmed south of Calmar; she worked lovingly alongside Roger milking cows, harvesting crops, and tending to an expansive garden for their growing family. In recognition of her dedication, she was nominated as ‘Farmers Wife of the Year.’

In 1992 they retired and moved to Decorah; enjoying many get togethers with family and grandchildren. Gladys enjoyed quilting, sewing, trying new baking recipes, playing cards, bowling, doing word searches and putting together puzzles. She had a natural talent and creative flair to turn the ordinary into extraordinary.

During her retirement years, Gladys enjoyed the opportunity to actively volunteer in the community and their Parish; serving as an Officer and later as Regent for the Catholic Daughters as well as on funeral committees.

Gladys, a loving wife, caring mother and grandmother, sister, relative and friend will be cherished in memory and forever blessed in Heaven.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents: Edmund and Mathilda Huinker; Husband: Roger (2007); Father and mother-in-law: John and Marth Elsbernd; Sisters: Leona Watt and DeEtta Hemesath; Brothers: Alvin, Paul and David Huinker; Sister-in-laws: Helen Elsbernd, Luella Elsbernd, Georgina Huinker, Elberta Huinker; Brother-in-laws: Arnold, Jerome, Joey (18 months) Elsbernd, Anthony Kuhn, James Watt, and Alphonse Hemesath.

Gladys is survived by her eight children: Susan (Alex) Smith, CO, Linda (Jeff) Brown, KY, Thomas (Linda) Elsbernd, AL, Gary (Marie) Elsbernd, IA, Ruthann (Jerry) Chaplin, KY, Michael (Roxy) Elsbernd, IA, Jane (Blake) Andrist, MN, John (Marion) Elsbernd, NC, and 12 grandchildren: Katherine Andrist; Charlie and Cassandra Chaplin; Kenzie (Gabrielle), Kariann and Derek; Mitchell, Leah (John) Hageman and Mason; Roger William; Johnny and Christine Elsbernd; Brother: Dennis Huinker, Calmar; Sister-in-law’s: Dorothy (Alvin) Huinker, Garner, Martha (Dave) Huinker, Ames, Sr. Ruth Elsbernd OSF Dubuque and Collette (Anthony) Kuhn, Decorah.

Source: Schluter-Balik Funeral Home database

St. Aloysius Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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