Elsie Louise Ely

Elsie Louise (Gehrke) Ely of Cleveland, MN passed away April 25, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

Elsie was born June 9, 1942, in Cordova, MN to William & Geraldine (Berg) Gehrke. Elsie attended school in Waterville MN until 10th grade, graduating from Le Center High School in 1960. Over the years Elsie worked for her dad picking up milk from dairy farms, Larsons, Munsingwear, and Robb Container.

She married Clinton (Bud) Ely on November 28, 1970, and they made their home in rural Cleveland, MN where they farmed and raised their 2 children, Susan and James. Elsie was an active member of the Cleveland Church of Christ, where thru the years she was a Sunday school teacher, VBS teacher/volunteer, and assisted in the kitchen. While her children were involved, she was a 4-H leader for the Cleveland Pioneers. She loved attending activities and sporting events for her children/grandchildren. After retirement, Elsie spent time with family members taking them to doctor appointments, shopping and spending time with them. She loved watching Bold & the Beautiful and “discussing” it with her sister Betty.

Elsie is survived by her daughter, Susan Ely of Cleveland, MN; daughter-in-law, Deb Ely of Madison Lake, MN; grandson, Vince Anderson; granddaughters, Amanda (Jeremy) Morsching and Elsa Ely. She leaves behind sisters, Betty Moravec, Linda Alitz; brothers, Carl Gehrke, Edwin (Lois) Gehrke, Jack (Mary) Gehrke; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her Aunt MaryAnn Holicky.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; in-laws, Sherman & Lela Ely; her husband, Bud; son, James; sister, June (Emil) Klema; in-laws, Barb Gehrke, Clarence Moravac, Marian & Reuben Nyberg, Ken & Mildren Grice, Lola & Vernon Norris, Harry & Alice Ely, Willis & Ardis Ely, Mavis & Roger O’Malley.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Church of Christ in Cleveland, MN; Pastor Rob Perry will officiate. There will be a visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Savidge Lake Cemetery.