Elsie Platto

On August 10, 1921, Elsie Christine Carlson was born to Kersten (Halvorson) and Olof Carlson, immigrants from Sveg, Sweden, on a farm in Holmes City Township near Alexandria, MN. Elsie’s mother died when she was only 10 years old and then she went to live with her uncle and his wife until she started high school. She first attended school in District 29 and was baptized at Oscar Lake Lutheran Church and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church with a combined confirmation class. She then moved to Alexandria to go to high school. She boarded at the home of Superintendent Fred Ellertson and his wife, Clara. Elsie graduated from Central High School in 1939.

Elsie first worked for the law firm of Leach and Swore as a legal secretary. She was married to William Platto after he returned home from service in WWII and converted to the Catholic faith. Together they raised 4 children: Lynda, Sheri, Patty, and Bill Jr. Elsie returned to work after the children were all in school. She worked for about 7 years at the Douglas County Extension office at the Courthouse. In 1964, she went to the law office of Robert Swenson and Morris Grover. Elsie worked with many in the law firm now known as Swenson Lervick Syverson Trosvig Jacobson Schultz Cass. She retired as office manager in 1987. She remained close to many of her co-workers until her death.

Family meant everything to Elsie; she was a devoted wife to Bill and was always there for her kids, putting them first and caring for and supporting them in all their endeavors. She was a regular letter writer to each child as they left home, the best cook and baker, an avid Viking and Twins fan, a crossword puzzle whiz, and a patient card and game player with her grandchildren. Each of her 7 grandchildren were special to her and each felt it in the time and love she showered on them. She was a grandmother extraordinaire.

Elsie and Bill had countless friends and enjoyed many adventures with them throughout their lifetime such as: dinners out, dancing, attending Super Bowls, snowmobiling, motorcycling, going to and running car races and traveling. In their retirement they spent time together in FL, TX, and AZ to escape Minnesota winters. Most memorable was a trip to England, France, and Belgium on the 40th anniversary of WWII with other veterans and their spouses. They also enjoyed special trips with each of their children.

On Friday, October 18th, 2019, at the age of 98, Elsie passed away surrounded by loving family at Edgewood Senior Living in Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her parents, Olof and Kersten; husband of 64 years, Bill; son, Bill Jr; siblings and in-laws, Sophie Leines (AQ Ford), Helmer (LaVonne Solum) Carlson, and Jennie (Harold Halvorson); all of Bill’s siblings: Berniece Smith, Isabelle (Robert) Thompson, Valeraine Carder, and Paul Patrick Platto.

Elsie is survived by children, Lynda (Dave) Wosmek, Sheri Platto (all of Alexandria), Patty (Bryan) Stamp of Arizona; daughter-in-law, Nancy (Bongard) Platto of Chaska; sister-in-law, Louise Platto; grandchildren, Tim, Jamie (Toni), Patrick (Brenda) Hukriede, Katy Wosmek (Jon) Olson, Tina Platto (Jason) Marisam, Betsy Wosmek (Mike) Stromberg, and Andy (Angel) Platto; great-grandchildren,  Jo, Nick, Ellie, Zach, Josh, Hannah, Gavin Hukriede, Selby, Grady, Elsie Olson, Jack, William, and Lucy Stromberg, and Flora, Waldo, and Huck Marisam; one great-great-grandchild, Lilly Grace; step-grandchildren, Tracie (Kevin Paskett) and Mike (Jen) Stamp; step-great-grandchildren, Aidan, Greta, and Ryan Stamp-Paskett and Daria, Freddie, and Lucy Stamp; and several special nieces and nephews.

God Bless the memory of Elsie.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 21st, 2019 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Parish Prayers beginning at 5:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Entombment to follow in St. Mary’s Mausoleum. Memorials preferred to Knute Nelson Hospice or the donor’s choice of charity.

Elsie's funeral service will be recorded and available to view online on Wednesday.