Elsie Schlenker

Elsie Schlenker, 92, Gackle, ND died Friday morning June 18, 2010 at the Wishek Home for the Aged in Wishek, ND.

Elsie Muller was born June 9, 1918 in Neudorf Township SW of Gackle, ND into the large family of Ludwig Muller and Elizabeth (Henne, Henke). In 1920, Elsie's brother Herbert was born and the two of them were best friends until his death in 1994.

While attending elementary school Elsie developed her love for reading. Even when her eyesight began to fail, with the help of two magnifying lens she continued to read.
She and Paul Schlenker were married December 1, 1938 at her parent's farm south of Gackle. They celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary together with Elsie's nephew Ebbie and Carol Henke who were celebrating their 25th. It was Elsie's kind of party with relatives, friends, food and a dance band.

On October 4, 1946, Paul and Elsie's only child, Karen Paulette, was born. Elsie had been a farm wife, but this event brought out her true calling-the role of Mother.
Elsie was called upon many times in Gackle for her made-from-scratch chiffon cakes; so when Karen married Bob Krause in 1980, Elsie baked and decorated the wedding cake with one layer in chocolate, Karen's favorite. Bob became her favorite son-in-law and the two of them formed a great relationship.

Elsie was a member of the United Church of Christ in Gackle. She served as Sunday School teacher, president of the Ladies Aid, and choir member. She was a 50 year member of Progress Homemakers and gave many hours of volunteer service at the Gackle Care Center. For several years, Elsie was a waitress at the Gackle Café. She found great pleasure in gardening, tending flower beds and doing needlework. Cats were always welcomed in her home. In later years, Monday became her favorite day because the Card Ladies met and every other week she joined a group to play scrabble.

Elsie entered the Gackle Care Center in 2007 and moved to the Wishek Home in 2009.
Elsie's joy in life was family. Her nieces and nephews were so special to her and they responded with cards, visits, and goodies.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul in 2000, 8 sisters and 5 brothers.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Bob) Krause, Bismarck, ND; 1 step granddaughter, Shanny (Greg) Richard, Roundup, MT; 3 step great grandchildren,and her loving nieces and nephews.

The funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday June 22, 2010 in the First United Church of Christ in Gackle, ND.

The burial will be made in the Gackle Cemetery at Gackle, ND.