Elsie Thostenson, 1918-2018

Published 1:00 am Thursday, April 26, 2018

Funeral services for Elsie D. Thostenson, 99, of Albert Lea will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church. The Revs. Steven Schwartz and Kent Otterman will officiate. Interment will be at Hartland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church Monday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Elsie Thostenson

Elsie died Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

Elsie D. Thostenson was born June 5, 1918, in Riceland Township, Freeborn County, the daughter of Hans and Olive (Ackland) Albertsen. She attended districts 24 and 66 schools. She was baptized June 30, 1918, and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on March 20, 1933, by the Rev. H.W. Bondo.

Elsie worked at home and for many people doing housework until her marriage to Willie Thostenson on July 29, 1939, at Trinity Lutheran Church. They farmed a couple of places before buying a farm in Bath Township in 1943. Willie died in 1987.

Elsie was a member of Cross of Glory, where she was active in American Lutheran Church Women, quilting groups and circles. She enjoyed tending to her plants, sewing and quilting.

Elsie is survived by four sons, Wilferd (Mary), Ralph (Diane), Russell and Gordon (Donna); many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and sister, Ardene (Jack) Reiss.

Elsie was preceded in death by her mother, father and stepmother; along with sisters Marion (Mark) Bullyan, baby Velma Albertsen, Verna (Fred) Thieling, Alice (Lester) Dracy, Adeline (Hurley) Anderson and Gladys Albertsen; brother, Kenny Albertsen; and two grandsons.