ELSIE AUGUSTA MARNACH

Elsie Augusta Marnach, 95, of Winona, and formerly of Caledonia passed away peacefully with her family at her side Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Elsie was born June 28, 1918 in Eitzen, Minnesota to August and Caroline (Heitman) Wiemerslage. Elsie worked at the Marnach Hotel in Caledonia where she met the love of her life, Miles Marnach. They were married on June 18, 1946 in Caledonia. Married for 62 years, Miles preceded her in death October 30, 2008. Elsie was a very devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia. Being a member of the WELCA and Ruth Circle, Elsie enjoyed quilting, bible study and helping at church functions. Elsie was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than 55 years. Elsie enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and canning. Weekends in the summer were spent with family and friends enjoying the sun and water on the sandbar near Brownsville. In her later years, she spent time at the boathouse feeding all the family her delicious meals and sweets, which were her specialty. Because of her generous, giving spirit, she never let anyone go home empty-handed. Elsie looked forward to going to Marco Island, Florida in the winter with Miles, where she spent time relaxing and walking miles on the beach collecting shells. Her great love for her family and friends was demonstrated with delicious meals, gifts and cards, which she never forgot to send. She will be dearly missed, but her loving legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren. Elsie is lovingly survived by her children, Terry (Carol) Brownsville, Jaclyn (Albert Butenhoff) Winona and Jeffrey (Katherine) LaCrescent; 9 grandchildren, Colin, Andrew, Nicholas, Daniel, and Matthew Marnach, Alyssa (Eugenio) Anguiano, Mark (Stephanie), Philip (Krissi) and Karl Butenhoff and 4 great grandchildren, Gabriel and Giovanni Anguiano and Aiden and Leighton Butenhoff. In addition to her husband, Miles, Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers; Martin, Walter, Henry, Elmer, Paul, Fremont, Edison, and 2 sisters; Nora and Ruth, and sisters and brother-in-laws. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 24, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Caledonia, with Reverend Steven Meyer officiating. Visitation will be held at 9:30 AM prior to the service on Saturday at the church.. Memorials may be directed to the Food Shelf at the Prince of Peace Church in LaCrescent or SEMCAC’s Food Shelf in Caledonia. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family with arrangements.

ELSIE AUGUSTA MARNACH

June 28, 1918 - March 26, 2014