Elsie Andersen

Elsie Louise Andersen, age 92, of Nevada, Missouri (formerly of Lamar, Missouri) passed away September 20, 2021.   Elsie was born in Bristol, Wisconsin to Orville Ray Winfield and Ellen Marie (Rasmussen) Winfield. On September 25, 1948, Elsie married Eugene "Gene" Andersen at Benet Lake, Wisconsin.   Born on a dairy farm near Kenosha, Wisconsin, she survived the Great Depression, scarlet fever, and World War II. Together with her family, she milked and did all kinds of farm labor. At age 19, she married neighboring farmer and high school sweetheart, Gene Andersen. They started out on a farm rented from the Benedictines, at whose monastery they were wed. Here they started their "little" family. Through the Benedictines, they located a farm near Sheldon, Missouri, where they moved in 1952. Together, they raised 11 children and had many joys and hardships in farming. Elsie was active as a Vernon County 4H leader, Missouri Farm Bureau member, and Lamar Country Club member. She enjoyed playing bridge and golf. She campaigned with Gene against corrupt corporate farm practices. Elsie was well known for her sewing and knitting skills, as well as prowess at operating large farm equipment. On retiring from the farm, Gene and Elsie relocated to a home near Lamar. They had many friends here, loved the community and they could more easily enjoy their favorite pastimes. Gene passed a short time later, and Elsie's health eventually required a move to Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Missouri. She resided there for several years under their wonderful care.   Survivors include 10 daughters; Lois (Gary) Hoover of Hermann, Missouri, Barbara (M. Robert) Carver of Miramar Beach, Florida, Nancy Washburn of Lamar, MO, Mary Andersen of Columbia, Missouri, Diana (Leonard) Forst of Lamar, MO, Esther (Brian) Brockman of Springfield, Missouri, Teresa (Danny) Mahnke of Kansas City, Missouri, Rebecca (Ken) Eftink of Bloomfield, Missouri, Caroline (Bo) Phillips of Deerfield, Missouri, and Margaret (Jason) Bond of Nevada, Missouri, one daughter-in-law; Roxana Andersen of Rich HIll, Missouri, one brother; Richard (Edna) Winfield of Richland, Missouri, two sisters; Jean (Jack) Heick of Elkader, Iowa and Margaret Risi of Antioch, Illinois, 36 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren.   Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one son, James Andersen, one grandson, Timothy Forst, one great-grandson, Adam Forst, two sisters; Helen Gillmore and Ruth Gillmore and two brothers; George Winfield and Orville Winfield.   Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00a.m., Friday, September 24, 2021, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lamar, Missouri with burial to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.   Rosary will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Daniel Funeral Home with visitation to follow from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.   Contributions are suggested and made payable to St. Mary's Catholic Church or Moore-Few Activities Fund in care of Daniel Funeral Home.   Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com