Elsie Goertzen

Elsie S. Goertzen, age 93, of Henderson, died Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Henderson. She was born on December 25, 1930 to Henry R. and Sarah S. (Friesen) Classen in Meade, KS, the youngest of 13 children. As a teenager she accepted Jesus and was baptized and joined the EMB Church in Meade. She graduated from Meade High School and attended Tabor College.  Elsie got her medical technology training at St. Anthony’s Hospital, in Dodge City, KS, and St. Frances Hospital in Wichita, KS.  Elsie enjoyed growing up in a big family and had many fond memories of enjoying life and experiences with her friends and relatives in western KS. 
In December 1954, she met Walter B. Goertzen and they had their first date. His friendly smile caught her attention immediately and they fell in love. Walt and Elsie were married August 12, 1955, and they lived in Wichita for 1 ½ years, then moved onto the Goertzen family farm at Hampton. They were blessed with three children, Darwin, Crystal and DeWight. She was a devoted homemaker and farm wife. The family enjoyed vacations together, the Black Hills and Colorado were a must, and they also helped with the farming. They loved traveling with the York Fun Club, and attending gospel concerts to many different states. Elsie enjoyed making baby quilts and made many for family and for MCC mothers in need. For many years she fixed meals for the Royal Kids Camp workers, and helped cook and serve many Wednesday night suppers at church. 
Elsie loved her grandkids and was very proud of them. She was very excited about her six grandkids and thought they are awesome. She prayed a lot for her family as she wanted them all safely in the fold. Elsie loved Christmas music.
She is survived by her husband Walt, Henderson, children Darwin Goertzen, Lincoln, Crystal (Tom) Roth, Wood River, DeWight (Samantha) Goertzen, Lincoln, grandchildren Lisa (Paige) Goertzen-Whitaker, Lincoln, Lindsey (Andrew) Martin, Lincoln, Daniel (Latesha) Roth, Grand Island, Sarah (Matthew) Panowicz, Grand Island, Jake Goertzen, Lincoln, Shae Goertzen, Lincoln, 10 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many relatives. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Marilynn Goertzen, and 12 siblings. 
Graveside services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Living Hope Cemetery, Henderson, followed by the Memorial service at 10:30 a.m., at Living Hope Church, Henderson. Visitation will be held from 1-9 p.m., Monday, with the family greeting friends from 7-8:30 p.m., at Metz Mortuary in Henderson. Memorials may be directed to Living Hope Church. Condolences may be left for the family at metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in Henderson is handling the arrangements.