Elsie Sanderson

Elsie Marie Sanderson, 91, of Waukon, IA, peacefully joined her heavenly family, Friday, September 8, 2023. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 12th, at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of services on Tuesday. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Elsie was born January 13, 1932, in rural Cresco, IA, the daughter of James O. and Harriet (Schmauss) Hunter. She graduated from Assumption High School in Cresco. On January 28, 1952, Elsie married Richard "Sandy" Sanderson in Cresco. In 1958, they moved to Waukon for Sandy's career.

Together, she and Sandy shared a passion for collecting and selling antiques. Elsie loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking, baking, and canning for them. There was usually a jar of homemade pickles in the fridge and freshly made bread, cookies, or cinnamon rolls at the house. She also enjoyed quilting and following Iowa Hawkeye sports. Elsie was an avid reader and could easily spend the day reading. As a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Elsie held various leadership roles and was a long serving president of Rachel circle.

She is survived by her children: Diane (John) Vanis of Central City, IA, Bev (Jim) Petska of Cedar Rapids, IA, David (Wendy) Sanderson of Waukon, Susan (Bruce) Tointon of Eyota, MN, Dennis (Penny) Sanderson of Eau Claire, WI, and Alan (Chris) Sanderson of Wentzville, MO; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister Delores (Larry) Klever of Independence, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Elsie was a caring and compassionate mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She will be missed.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Richard in 2012; her brother Kenneth (Edna) Hunter; a sister Lois (Gary) Finholt; and a granddaughter Melanie Sanderson.

Her grandchildren will serve as casketbearers, ensuring she is laid to rest with the utmost care and respect.