Caledonia Argus

Posted: 2/13/04

Elna Rask

Elna O. Rask, 84, of Caledonia, died Friday, February 13, 2004 at The Lutheran Home, Caledonia. She was born February 9, 1920, in Rushford to William and Joanna (Johnson) Jelberg. Elna was baptized and confirmed at the Rushford Lutheran Church. She also attended school in Rushford. On October 1, 1942 she married Orville Rask in Winona and they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Together they farmed in Wilmington township until 1995 when they retired from farming and moved into the Golden Age Estates in Caledonia. In 1997, Elna and Orville moved into Buckley Apartments in Caledonia and in 1999 they became residents of the Caledonia Lutheran Home. On September 28, 2002, Orville preceded Elna in death.

In addition to farming, Elna worked as a waitress and cook in Caledonia and Spring Grove and later she was employed in factory work in La Crosse and Spring Grove. She also made and sold Norwegian baked goods. Elna was a long time member of Wilmington Lutheran Church where she served in various capacities.

Survivors include five children: Alona (Larry) Schmidt, Caledonia, Orvis (Linda), Spring Grove, Bonnie (Jim) Felten, Caledonia, Bob (Carol), La Crosse, and Ken (Diana), Caledonia; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Louise Murphy, Oklahoma City, OK; two brothers, Bud (Audrey) Jelberg, Seattle, WA; and Irvin ìSonnyî (Shirley) Jelberg, McAllen, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Elna was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Wilbert Jelberg.

Services will be Tuesday, February 17, 11 a.m., at Wilmington Lutheran Church, Wilmington township with Rev. Elizabeth Stempinski officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, Caledonia, on Monday from 4-7 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service

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