Elsie Sanderson

Elsie Marie Sanderson, 91, of Waukon peacefully joined her heavenly family Friday, September 8, 2023. Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 12 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements.

Elsie was born January 13, 1932 in rural Cresco, the daughter of James O. and Harriet (Schmauss) Hunter. She graduated from Assumption High School in Cresco. January 28, 1952, Elsie married Richard “Sandy” Sanderson in Cresco. In 1958, they moved to Waukon for Sandy’s career.

Together, she and Sandy shared a passion for collecting and selling antiques. Elsie loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking, baking and canning for them. There was usually a jar of homemade pickles in the fridge and freshly made bread, cookies or cinnamon rolls at the house. She also enjoyed quilting and following Iowa Hawkeye sports.

Elsie was an avid reader and could easily spend the day reading. As a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Elsie held various leadership roles and was a long serving president of Rachel circle.

She is survived by her children: Diane (John) Vanis of Central City, Bev (Jim) Petska of Cedar Rapids, David (Wendy) Sanderson of Waukon, Susan (Bruce) Tointon of Eyota, MN, Dennis (Penny) Sanderson of Eau Claire, WI and Alan (Chris) Sanderson of Wentzville, MO; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Delores (Larry) Klever of Independence; and many nieces and nephews. Elsie was a caring and compassionate mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She will be missed.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard, in 2012; her brother, Kenneth (Edna) Hunter; a sister, Lois (Gary) Finholt; and a granddaughter, Melanie Sanderson.

Her grandchildren served as casketbearers, ensuring she is laid to rest with the utmost care and respect.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.