Elsie Elizabeth Tornholm, the daughter of Axel and Anna (Anderson) Carlson was born April 20, 1926 in Lincoln Township of Montgomery County, Iowa. She passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 94 years, 2 months, and 23 days.

Elsie was baptized on February 13, 1927 and accepted the Lord as her personal savior in September of 1939. In 1940, she was confirmed at the First Covenant Church in Red Oak. Elsie lived for the Lord, as best she knew how and could, her entire life. She attended grade school, 1st thru 7th at Mt. Pleasant #4, Grant Township, 8th grade and 4 years of high school in Red Oak, graduating in 1944. After, graduation she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. F.R. Wolf and in the bookkeeping department of Thos D. Murphy Co. Elsie was united in marriage to Leonard Tornholm on May 12, 1947 in Red Oak, Iowa. They first lived southwest of Red Oak for 7 years, then southeast of Red Oak for 7 years, before making their home for the next 27 years in Taylor County, IA. As they moved from farm to farm, they also attended three different churches: First Covenant Church in Red Oak, Methodist Church in New Market and Hillside Missionary Church in Clarinda. Elsie taught Sunday school and was involved with the ladies groups in all three churches. Elsie and Leonard retired from farming and moved to Red Oak in 1991. While she was busy raising her children, Elsie grew large gardens and canned 200-300 quarts of fruits and vegetables every year. Later as the children left home, she worked the fields and chores alongside with Leonard. Elsie was currently a member of the First Covenant Church in Red Oak.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard on May 16, 2008; sisters: Aina Olson and husband Martin, and Ruth Lundstedt and husband Gerald; brothers: Paul Carlson and wife Norma, and Joseph Carlson and wife Pauline; and sister-in-law, Marian Carlson.

Elsie is survived by her son, Loren (Joyce) Tornholm of New Market, IA; 4 daughters: Caroline Tornholm Adams of St. Joseph, MO, Teresa Hamilton of Des Moines, IA, Karen (Ervin) Ficek of Red Oak, IA and Marla (Edward) Anderson of Macclenny, FL; step-son, Ronald Tornholm of New Port Richey, FL; 15 grandchildren: Christopher (Diane) Adams, Ryan (Becky) Adams, Jennifer (Lonnie) Matheny, Jacob (Erin) Tornholm, Jason (Laura) Hamilton, Keely (Steve) Sloan, Rachel Hamilton, Kyle (Jennifer) Ficek, Tracy (Nate) Clute, Joel (Neilea) Ficek, Ethan Ficek, Kristi (Matt) Goodson, Taylor (Jon) Guyer, Hannah (Christopher) Martindale, and Kelly Anderson; 28 great-grandchildren: Kasey (Zac) Jones, Sierra (Paul Anstey) Matheny, Calyn Matheny, Gillian and Lee Tornholm, Ivy, Sydney and Morgan Adams, Leann (Mark) Latus, Noah and Brennen Sloan, Armande and Armareya Whitfield, RayShawn and Mateyo Hamilton, Todd ( Katie) Ficek, Wesley, Abigail, Seth and Micah Ficek, Jaden, Cassandra and Jedidiah Clute, Titus, Taggert and Truett Ficek, Kent and Grant Goodson, Harper and Bruce Guyer; 3 great-great-grandchildren: Anthony, Cordell and Coltyn; and brother, Rev. David Carlson of Red Oak, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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

Graveside service will be held
Friday, July 17, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa
Rev. Alan Dean, Officiating
Friends and family will meet at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home on Friday by 10:00 a.m. for procession to the cemetery.

Viewing will be held Thursday till 7:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the First Covenant Church, Red Oak, Iowa.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com

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