Elsie Mathilda Martinson

Elsie M. Martinson, age 87 of Upsala, MN, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at the Epiphany Assisted Living Center in Coon Rapids, MN surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 1:00 P.M. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN with the Rev. Thrisha Jorgensen officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Saturday at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala. Elsie Mathilda (Berens) Martinson was born October 1, 1922 in Burtrum, Todd County, MN to the late Martin Berens, Sr. and Mathilda (Marty) Berens. She grew up in Grey Eagle and attended school in Burtrum through the 8th grade. Following her schooling, Elsie worked as a housekeeper. She was united in marriage to Warren Martinson on December 18, 1941. Elsie and Warren made their home in Upsala. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Upsala as a clerk for 14 years and as Postmaster for 17 years. Warren died September 8, 1998. Elsie continued to live in Upsala and in 2004 moved to assisted living in Melrose, MN for one year and then moved to the Epiphany Assisted Living Center in Coon Rapids, MN where she resided until her death. Elsie and her family were always very grateful for the wonderful care she received from the staff at Epiphany Assisted Living. Elsie was a member of E.L.C.W. Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Historical Society. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, embroidering, cooking, fishing and playing cards. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Warren (Sue Ann) Martinson of Fergus Falls, MN, Gary (Susan) Martinson of Ramsey, MN, Mary (Martinson) & David Stroman of Overland Park, KS; sisters, Olivia Allen of New Brighton, MN, Anna Blaeser & Lila Pilles both of Melrose, MN; brother, Martin Berens of Park Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Andrew Martinson, Gary Martinson, Jr., David Andrew Stroman, Heather Wahlgren, Scott Martinson & Jennifer Leonard; great-grandchildren, Samantha Wahlgren, Kaitlyn Leonard, Bradie Wahlgren, Elena Stroman, Grace Leonard, David James Stroman, Elise Stroman, MaKayla Martinson & Austin Martinson. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Warren W. Martinson; parents, Martin & Mathilda Berens; brothers, Donald, Raymond & Albert Berens; sisters, Carol Martinson & Hilda Braley and grandchildren, Amber & Adam Martinson.