Elsa Broeking, age 96, of Marion, IL passed away at 1:14 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2010, in Parkway Manor of Marion, IL.
She was born on Saturday, June 21, 1913, at home on the family farm west of Marion, IL, the daughter of Henry H. and Wilmina “Minnie” (Wickert) Broeking.
Elsa never married and remained at home helping take care of her parents. After the death of her parents she continued to live at the home place with her brothers. She was always busy seeing to the needs of her family, taking care of the home and helping on the farm. Every day she got up with a purpose and things she wanted to accomplish.
She was a lifelong member of Zion United Church of Christ of Marion, IL and was actively involved in the activities of the church until her health did not permit.
She is survived by her sister, Pauline Windhorst of Mt. Vernon, IL; two brothers, Albert and Raymond Broeking both of Marion, IL; two nieces, Patti Nemeth and her husband, Rick of Marion, IL and Jane Kutilek and her husband, Frank of Chicago, IL; four nephews, Larry Broeking and Gene Watson and his wife, Carrie all of Marion, IL, James Broeking and his wife, Laura of Chicago, IL and Robert Windhorst and his wife, Judy of Mt. Vernon, IL, a host of great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, other extended family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Marie Watson and Lucille Broeking; two brothers, William A. and Edward H. Broeking; sister-in-law, Eleanor Broeking; two brothers-in-law, Hallie Watson and Elmer Windhorst and a niece, Beverly Broeking.
Arrangements for Elsa Broeking were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
The funeral service was at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 8, 2010, at Zion United Church of Christ, 930 West Cherry St., Marion, IL with Rev. John Holst presiding.
The service began with Keith Soldner tolling the bell 96 times in honor of Elsa’s age.
The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Doris Anderson and organist, Sharon Wilson.
Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were “It Is Well With My Soul” and “My Jesus, I Love Thee” as congregational hymns and “How Great Thou Art” by vocalist, Diane Lazorchak with pianist, Doris Anderson and organist, Sharon Wilson accompanying.
Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL.
Pallbearers were Rick Nemeth, Gene Watson, Larry Broeking, Robert Windhorst, Frank Kutilek, and Mark Kutilek.
Following the committal service the family and friends gathered at Zion United Church of Christ for a meal and continued time of fellowship.
A time of visitation for family and friends was from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 7th, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home and after 9:30 a.m. on Monday, at the church.
For those who preferred memorial contributions were made to “Zion United Church of Christ Memorial Fund” or “The American Cancer Society”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home and the church or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call 618-993-2131.
