Elsa Genevieve Selvig, 80, of Albert Lea, passed away at her home with her children at her side on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009.
Elsa was born on July 6, 1929, in Madison, the daughter of Oscar and Esther Moen. She graduated in 1947 from Appleton High School. She attended college at St. Cloud Teachers College and graduated with her teaching certificate in 1949. After graduation, she began teaching 4th grade in Slayton. While teaching in Slayton, she attended Colorado University for further training. She also taught in Willmar Public Schools. While teaching in Willmar, she met her future husband Dick (Richard) Selvig. They were married on Sept. 13,1953, at Borgund Lutheran Church in Madison.
After marrying, Elsa and her husband Dick lived in Mandan, N.D., for 15 years. They moved to Albert Lea in 1977 where they resided until present. While living in Albert Lea, Elsa and her husband enjoyed their lake home near Spicer. For the last 30 years, Elsa and her husband wintered in Wickenburg, Ariz.
Elsa was talented in many arts and crafts. She was a gifted quilter and seamstress. She enjoyed playing Bridge, entertaining her friends, and decorating her home. She loved “garage sales” and collecting antiques. She made others feel very welcomed and special while visiting her in her home. She loved to laugh and had sensitivity for others needs, She had a talent for knowing what to do to make life better for others. She was an avid reader and had a passion for politics. Elsa was a “Mrs. Fix-it” and was very handy. She was a loving and an amazing mother.
While residing in Albert Lea, she was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church.
She is survived by her three children: John Selvig of Albert Lea, Jane Selvig of Elkton and Mary Selvig ofSheboygan, Wis.; two grandchildren: Kelly Lair of Sheboygan, Wis., and Jordan Tostenson of Hollandale; one great-grandchild, Blake DePagter of Sheboygan, Wis.; and two comforting grand-dogs both named Buddy.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dick Selvig; brothers: Stanley, Glen and Orgene Moen; and parents: Oscar and Esther Moen.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Christ Episcopal Church in Albert Lea with the Rev. Jim Young presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Wednesday.
The family would like to thank the Albert Lea Medical Center staff, Crossroads Community Hospice, members of Christ Episcopal Church, many friends, and Dee Lehner, a special caregiver, for their support.
Memorials are suggested to Christ Episcopal Church or Crossroads Community Hospice.