Elva Van Deer, 1945-2020

Published 10:43 am Monday, May 18, 2020

Elva Marie “Ellie” Van Deer, 74, of Kiester died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. A short funeral service will be held with Ellie’s immediate family at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells. Follow Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home on Facebook to watch the service live at 11 a.m. Tuesday with Certified Celebrant Laurie Stoeger officiating. Following the service, the family welcomes visitors to the burial at Alden Cemetery in Alden. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is entrusted with services. To leave an online condolence, visit www.brussheitner.com.

Elva Van Deer

Elva Marie was born June 7, 1945, the daughter of Herbert and Eileen (Kaiser) Habben in Fort Dodge, Iowa. 

Ellie married Otto “Bill” Van Deer on Feb. 14, 1964, at United Methodist Church in Alden. Ellie was a special lady — kind, fun, loving, spunky, helpful, smart, stubborn and caring. She was a friend to all, a great cook, an awesome storyteller, a lover of animals and knowledgeable on everything. Ellie was always full of jokes — some not so clean, and had a great sense of humor. To her family, Ellie was their rock. She kept them grounded, loved them unconditionally, always listened and “suggested” advice. She was her family’s number one supporter, best friend, Mom and angel!

Ellie is survived by her daughter, Sherrie (Lance) Wakefield, of Pemberton; son, William “Bill” Van Deer of Kiester; and grandchildren Caitlyn Wakefield of Pemberton, Kylie Wakefield and special friend, Riley Bohnert, of Mankato, Carter Wakefield and special friend, Katey Embacher, of Mankato, Alexander Van Deer of Kiester, William Van Deer of Walters and Ashley and Victor Stafne of Walters. Her dearest treasure was Luke, her beloved and spoiled dog! She is also survived by siblings Darvin (Marcia) Habben of Albert Lea, Harlin (Yong) Habben of Buffalo Lake, LaVonn (Douglas) Kadelbach of Buffalo Lake, Judy (Greg) Seltun of Alden, Ronda Huls (special friend, Stan Prahl) of Hutchinson and Pamela (Dwight) Wiechman of Stewart; sister-in-law, Carole King, of Chesapeake, Virginia; brother-in-law, Keith (Sue) Van Deer, of Cody, Wyoming; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Ellie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Otto “Bill;” her in-laws John and Ruth Van Deer; her, brother Arlo; her brother-in-law, David King; and nephew, Joel King.