Elsie Hilgenberg, 93, formerly of Coon Rapids, Iowa, passed away May 15, 2014, at the Cedars of Austin.

Elsie, the middle child of three, was born to George and Letah Morriss on Sept, 23, 1920, in Rogers, Ark. Her family moved to Iowa when Elsie was three in search of farm employment. She grew up around Jefferson and was graduated from Jefferson High School.

She taught country school in the area until her marriage to Daryle Hilgenberg of Coon Rapids on Sept. 23, 1941. They owned and operated a farm in Greene County.

They had two children, Terry Allen of Coon Rapids, Iowa, and Deborah Diane (Mickelsen) of Austin, Minn. Elsie also worked outside of the home at various jobs, primarily for Garst and Thomas Hybrid Seed Corn Company of Coon Rapids and Acoma Foods in Carroll.

After retirement, Daryle and Elsie moved to their home on Cardinal Drive in Coon Rapids.

Always a hard worker, Elsie kept busy with numerous activities. She volunteered, helped deliver Meals on Wheels, quilted at the Senior Center, played bridge, grew a large garden and canned its bounty. She knitted or crocheted daily, making hats and mittens of appropriate school colors and donating them to area elementary schools. She baked numerous pies and goodies as well as sewing Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. She worked the daily crossword and then to ensure that she was getting enough exercise she spent hours walking the Raccoon River Trails.

She is survived by her son, Terry Hilgenberg of Coon Rapids, Iowa; her daughter, Deborah Mickelsen and son-in-law Darryl Mickelsen of Austin, Minn.; one granddaughter, Sarah Mickelsen of San Diego, Calif.; and one grandson Christian (Rebecca) and a great grandson Carter Mickelsen, all of Prior Lake, Minn.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Harold Morriss; her sister, Lena; and her husband, Daryle Hilgenberg.

A visitation will be held 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Olaf Church Chapel on Thursday, May 22, with a short celebration at 5:30 p.m. A private family burial will be held later in Willow Cemetery in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

We wish to send our sincere appreciation to the staff of Cedar’s Memory Care for the warm love and attention that Elsie received during her stay. You will always hold a very special place in our hearts as you did in Elsie’s.