Annie Elsner

Life History for Annie Elsner
Annie Elsner, age 86, of Alexandria, formerly of Carlos, passed away on Saturday evening, August 2, 2008 at Sharon's Senior Care Center in Alexandria, MN.
Annie was born on April 7, 1922 in Marion, North Dakota to Charles and Annastasia (Collins) Levens. Her mother died when Annie was just three weeks old and she was then raised by her grandparents, Tom and Catherine (Botzet) Collins in rural Belle River Township, Douglas Co., MN. On November 25, 1941 Annie was united in marriage to Elmer Elsner at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River, MN. She helped farm and raised four children. She also worked for the Fingerhut Co. and then for the 3M Corporation in Alexandria. When her husband and sons began their business of Elsner Well Drilling, Annie did all of the bookkeeping for them. She moved into an apartment in Osakis in 2002 and then moved to the Terrace Heights Apartments in 2004. In 2006, Annie moved into Sharon's Senior Care Center in Alexandria, MN.
Annie was a member of St. Nicholas parish and was a willing helper for the annual church bazaar. She loved to travel, go dancing, play cards and read. While living in the country, she always had beautiful flower beds and a large garden. In later years Annie enjoyed camping trips with her companion, Merl Muyers. Annie was a kind and loving mother and grandma who will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her children, Gerald Elsner of Carlos, John Elsner of Alexandria, Sandra (Bryan) Withers of Osakis and Shirley (Tom) Rice of Osakis; 5 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death are her parents and her husband, Elmer and a sister, Evelyn Jerome and her close friend and companion, Merl Muyers.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held for Annie on Tuesday, August 5 at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River with Fr. Ralph Zimmerman officiating. Interment is at the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Tony, Matt and David Winter, Kelly and Josh Elsner and Val Vonderharr.