ELSIE DIESTERHAUPT

Elsie C. Diesterhaupt, of Oshkosh, age 103, passed away at Evergreen Retirement Community on Sunday, September 12, 2010. She was born February 28, 1907, in Neenah, daughter of the late William C. and Mary (Elbe) Cook. Elsie grew up in Neenah and graduated from Neenah High School. She married Ferdinand Diesterhaupt on September 7, 1929 and they enjoyed sixty-six years of marriage until his death in 1995. Mr. Diesterhaupt was the Fire Chief of Neenah before his retirement. Elsie worked at the Lakeview Paper Co. in Neenah and later at the Equitable Reserve Association. She cherished many long-time friendships with members of the Sewing Club including Ruth Parker, Thel Jones and Marguerite Tice, all deceased. Elsie loved her church and was a devoted, faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Neenah-Menasha for 90 years. She was confirmed there in 1920. Elsie was a member of the UM Womens Circle, served as a teacher of primary grades, was Sunday School Superintendent and later became the Financial Secretary for the church before retiring. Her other activities included Past Matron of the Neenah Chapter of the Eastern Star (#53) and volunteering at the Winnebago Hospital. Other interests of Elsie included playing bridge and sheephead (she was frequently the winner)! She often entertained neighbors and friends at her home on Grove Street where the couple lived after their marriage until moving to Evergreen. She was well known for her baking and cooking skills. When football season began, no household more supportive of the Packers could be found anywhere. Later as she lived alone, friends avoided phoning her during two of her favorite TV programs: Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, those were special times! She loved visits from friends and especially those with little childrenthere was always an extra dollar bill or dish of candies for the children and they loved her in return. Their pictures donned her walls. Elsies day would begin with reading her Bible and the Upper Room without fail. She was ready to meet her Lord. Elsie is survived by a sister, Verna Anderson of Palm Harbor, FL; along with some nieces and nephews of her late husband Ferdinand. Special fiends over the years include Donita and the late Roy Gross, Bud and Shirley Schuelke Jann Brockmann, Daryl Jensen, Donna and Gene Allen, Vern and Mavis Ganzer; along with her former Grove St. neighbors and church friends. She will be missed by all. At her request, no service will be held. Following cremation, inurnment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah. Though no longer with us, her many memories will keep her alive in our hearts. Those wishing to honor her role in their lives may give a memorial to Evergreen Retirement Community Care Assurance Fund, the Wills, Trust & Memorial Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Neenah-Menasha, or to the charity of your choice. A special note of thanks goes to Elsies caregivers at Evergreen including nurses, physical therapists, social workers and activities personnelSarah, Janet, Pam, Karen, Peg, Mary Jo, Kristin, Val, Carol and others who so lovingly and patiently tended to Elsies care and well being for over ten years. We also want to acknowledge Heartland Hospice staff for its compassionate care of Elsie during her final days. Go in peace dear friend.