Elnora Opal Josephson, the daughter of John H. and Edna E. (McFarland) Damewood was born July 2, 1929 near Corning, Iowa in Adams County. She passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 1 day.

Elnora was raised in the Corning and Carbon area until she was eight years old, at which time her family moved to Red Oak. She attended high school in Red Oak. Elnora was united in marriage to Gerald "Tood" Josephson on August 31, l960 at Omaha, Nebraska. They made their home on a farm in the Coburg area for 30 years. Elnora moved into Red Oak after the death of her husband. She was a homemaker and also worked eight years at Vista Gardens Care Center. Elnora enjoyed refinishing antiques and growing flowers, especially roses, in her garden, painting and watching game shows on TV. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Red Oak.

Elnora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald on August 4, 1994; four brothers: Duane Damewood, John Damewood, Ronnie Clark and Donnie Clark; three sisters: Sharlene Burg, Opal Pierce and Dorothy Bruce; and daughter-in-law, Aldena "Ann" Bredberg.

Elnora is survived by seven children: Jim Bredberg of Red Oak, IA, Derold Josephson and friend Kathy Royer of Red Oak, IA, Michael Josephson and life partner Joe Carnes of Red Oak, IA, Daniel Bergantzel of Blair, NE, Linda Reynolds and husband Max of Red Oak, IA, Lucy Govig and husband Dave of Red Oak, IA and Trudy Perdue of Red Oak, IA; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren; sister, Anna Marie Cleland of Red Oak, IA; and brother, Jack Clark and wife Shirley of Amarillo, TX; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held

Monday, March 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

At the First Baptist Church, Red Oak

Burial in the Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak

Rev. Len Taylor, Officiating

Visitation with the family present at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home on Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Memorials to the First Baptist Church

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.