Skip to main content

Iva Elbers

Lead Summary

Iva Jean Elbers, 83, Luverne, died Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne.
A funeral service was Saturday, March 12, at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Iva Jean Wessels was born to Fred and Jennie (Bergman) Wessels on Nov. 23, 1938, on a farm near Hardwick. The family later moved to a farm near Ash Creek, where Iva spent much of her childhood helping with chores, hanging out with her siblings, and playing in the barn or at the nearby Rock River. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1956 and married Edwin Elbers on Sept. 9, 1960, at State Line Presbyterian Church. They made their home initially in Sacramento, California, while Ed was in the Air Force. They returned to Rock County in 1962. They lived in the towns of Steen, Hills and Luverne during their marriage.
Iva was known for her kind nature, her ready smile, her artistic talents, and her love for crafting and decorating. She was also known for her sense of humor and had no problem laughing at herself, one of her most endearing traits. She battled for 35 years against the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and for many years with dementia, yet retained her sunny nature and could often be heard humming as she worked on household chores or on one of her latest craft projects. When she needed additional care, she moved to the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.
She created a warm and caring home. She loved her family and the family reunions and holiday gatherings to the fullest.
She is survived by her husband, Edwin; three children and their spouses, Deb (Jim) Garvin, Jeff (Linda) Elbers, and Joel (Jill) Elbers; five grandchildren, Dan (Lauren) Garvin, Kaitlyn Garvin, Jenna Elbers, Joe Elbers, and Breanna Elbers; her siblings Norman Wessels, Enore Boelman, Lowell Wessels, Harold Wessels, Doug Wessels and David Wessels; her sisters-in law Gert Wessels, Theresa Wessels, Bev Wessels, Nelvina Kroese, Betty (Harold) Babbitt and Ruth Verbrugge; brothers-in-law Don Schouwenburg and Vern Verbrugge; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law, Ed and Verna Elbers; brothers Stan Wessels, Darrel Wessels and Dale Wessels; sisters Vernice Wessels and Phyllis Schouwenburg; sisters-in-law Joyce Wessels, Jolene Wessels, Sharon Wessels and Ginny Wessels; and brothers-in-law Edwin Boelman, Chuck Kroese and Wilmer Elbers.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com. (0317 F)

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.