Alice Iverna Ely

Alice Iverna Ely, age 91, of Le Center passed away peacefully at The Carriage House on September 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 26, 1934, in Cordova Township, Alice was the daughter of Albert and Irene (Holicky) Zimmerman. She was raised on the family farm near Le Center and graduated from McKinley High School in Le Center. On January 12, 1955, she was united in marriage to Harry Ely at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center. They settled in Cleveland, where they raised their five children. While her children were young, Alice worked at the Cleveland grocery store but always made it a priority to be home each day to welcome them after school with a snack ready and waiting. After their children were grown, Alice worked for Le Sueur County, providing home care and shopping assistance to seniors—a role she continued until the age of 80. Alice had a deep love for caring for others and always looked after those around her. Becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was one of her greatest joys; her grandchildren meant the world to her. Alice was well known for her exceptional baking skills, especially her delicious pies and fudge. Her Thanksgiving dressing and gravy were particular favorites, loved by all who tasted them. She also loved browsing thrift stores and garage sales in search of hidden treasures and was a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan. Alice was a longtime member of the Cleveland American Legion Auxiliary.

Alice will be lovingly remembered by her children; Darrell (Rebecca) Ely of Eagle Lake, Diane (Sonnie) Lambrecht of New Prague, Dayton Ely of Le Center, DeNell (John) Cesafsky of Le Center, and Darren (Corrinne) Ely of Cleveland; grandchildren, Dustin (Amy), Jake (Jamie), Amy, Tanner (Rita), Lynnette (Mark), Michelle (Fred), Angie (Chris) Derek (Chelsey), Samantha (Dustin), Anna (Judd), Nicholas (Kimberly), Dylan (Kayla), and Tyler; great grandchildren, Hailey, Carter, Dalton, Madison, Jaylee, Colton, Hunter, Dylan, Victoria, Kemper, Logan, Layla, Journey, Jonah, Michael, Bryan, Nathan, Kain, Connor, Ethan, Maria, Ryker, Bryson, Caleb, Hannah, Aria, Colton, JohnPaul, and Odin; great-great grandchildren, Cooper, Weston, Brinlly, and Connelly; brother, George (Geraldine) Zimmerman; sister in law, Winona Zimmerman; brothers in law, Everett Oliver and Dean Eichorst.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; grandson, Casey Ely; siblings, Elnora Oliver, Francis (Mildred), Phillip, and Anabelle Eichorst.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of German Lake; Pastor Karrie Chatelaine will officiate. Alice's family will greet guests at a visitation an hour and a half prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the service at the German Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Cleveland American Legion Auxiliary.