Died Friday, December 24, 2021 at Methodist Fremont Health
Elsie was born February 11, 1943 in Atkinson, Nebraska to Eugene and Elsie 'Henkel' Karr. She was raised in Atkinson and graduated from Atkinson High School in 1960. She married Bryan Martens in 1961 and they moved to Fremont in the mid-60's.
Elsie and Bryan, along with their three daughters, were long time members at First Lutheran Church in Fremont, where she was involved in the quilting ministry.
Survivors:
Husband - Bryan
Daughters - Pam (Bill) Gottberg of Gretna
Deb (Tal) Layne of Bellevue
Jen (Jason) Lattimer of Alexandria, MN.
9 grandchildren
Sisters-in-law - Jean Pease of O'Neill
Jackie (Malcolm) Cole of New York
Elsie was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
There will be no services, friends my sign the guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont in charge of arrangements.
Condolences(11)
CHRISTOPHER KARR
MATTHEWS, NC Friday, February 11, 2022 My deepest sympathy! I am so sorry to hear and feel a hole in my heart with Elsie's passing. I will miss the conversations and notes she would send and the deep connection I had with her through my dad and her brother Larry. I have no doubt that she is in a better place with my dad and Lisa.Love, Chris Karr, Alice Karr, Ashton Karr, and Kevin Karr
Rod Pieper
Fremont, NE Tuesday, January 4, 2022 Bryan,Sorry to hear about Elsie passing. She was always a very pleasurable person to be around.
Mary Ann Apfel
Wood River, NE Monday, January 3, 2022 Bryan and family,I was so sorry to read in the Atkinson paper that Elsie had died on Christmas Eve. We haven't seen each other in such a long time but she was always the same sweet Elsie. She is beautiful in her picture and was in real life, too. We did Church things together growing up and her family and mine were good friends. You were a good friend, too, Bryan and we had fun times playing ping pong together. Praying that the good memories you made together will help during the time ahead. Would love to visit with you, but doubt you ever come by Wood River, We have a granddaughter teaching at the Fremont high school. She loves it. Her name is Erin Burling.
Will be thinking of you and your family. Our blessings to you, Mary Ann (Siebert) and Ray Apfel
Ione Popken
Fremont, NE Saturday, January 1, 2022 Dear Bryan, Pam and all of your family, Many wonderful memories come to mind as we gathered to tie quilts. You all did so much between gatherings so there were many to finish. I never thought I would not get back to helping after Stan's hospitalization in 2015 and I just couldn't believe this was the Elsie I knew from those days. So very sorry for your loss of wife and mother. May God's peace and comfort come to you and may the hope of His promises be with and the good memories in this lifetime prevail. My love and thoughts are with you all. As you well know, Elsie was a wonderful person and I enjoyed the company and the lunches with all of you. IoneKay Rasmussen Jay
Hooper, NE Friday, December 31, 2021 I was so sorry to hear about Elsie. I have many memories of being at your house in the country with Debbie.Sharon and Rick Strong
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 29, 2021 Sympathy to Elsie’s family. Bryan and Elsie were the silent, humble team that made the quilting ministry of First Lutheran possible. They made it a family affair. Not out for accolades, but a ministry.Carol Meier
Nickerson, NE Tuesday, December 28, 2021 Bryan....deepest sympathies to you and your family. Elsie will be missed.Carol Meier
Sherry Bode
Fremont, NE Tuesday, December 28, 2021 Bryan - So sorry to hear of Elsie's passing. She was a sweet woman and I always enjoyed visiting with her.Duane Humphrey
Fremont, NE Tuesday, December 28, 2021 Bryan,I was so sorry to hear about Elsie's death. I have very fond memories of us all growing up together in Atkinson. I'm sure it is especially difficult to have this happen at this time of year. DeMaris and I are thinking of you and your family.
Rita Christianson
Fremont, NE Monday, December 27, 2021 I got to know Elsie (&Bryan & 2 of their daughters) through their leadership for the quilting ministry at First Lutheran - what WONDERFUL kind people!!!!! Their involvement & time committment were the "meat" of the ministry. They have such an ideal setup in their home & kept things rolling.Again, Elsie was a quiet humble individual; she will be missed.
Zane & Shannon Pease
Stuart, NE Monday, December 27, 2021 Sorry to hear about aunt Elsie. It was always so fun to go down to visit you folks