Elsie Duenow

Elsie Duenow, 100, died Sunday, March 15, 2009, at the Pioneer Retirement Community Center, Fergus Falls. She was born November 29, 1908, in Aurdal Township, the daughter of Henry and Amanda (Gripentrog) Holthusen. The family moved to Thorhult, MN, near the Red Lake Indian Reservation, in 1918. She returned to Elizabeth in 1930, where she cared for her grandparents. On April 27, 1934, she married Walter Duenow, in Elizabeth. The couple lived in Elizabeth until 1939, when they purchased a farm in Friberg Township. Elsie began working at the Broen Memorial Home in 1968, retiring in 1977. Walter and Elsie moved into Fergus Falls in 1969 and into the Goldenwood Apartments in June of 1998. She moved to the Pioneer Retirement Community in 2008. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, it’s Ladies Aid and was a Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of the District 66 school board. Elsie enjoyed gardening and was known for her wedding cakes. Preceding her in death were her husband; four brothers, three in infancy and Reinhard Holthusen; and one sister, Louise Englund. Survivors include a son, Lester (Arlene) of Fergus Falls; two daughters, Marcella Kowalski of Fergus Falls and Janet (John) Olson of Starbuck; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls Clergy: Rev. Craig Palach and Chaplain Harry Olson Interment:  Immanuel Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com