Elsie Stoa

Elsie Luverne Pederson was born December 26, 1919 in Starbuck, MN the daughter of Norman and Ida (Hagestuen) Pederson. Following Elsie?s schooling she began work in the Gamble?s Store where she met her future husband. On June 12, 1946 Elsie was united in marriage to Walter Stoa at East Zion Lutheran Church in Starbuck, MN. Together they were blessed with one daughter, Rebecca. Elsie and Walter made their home in Starbuck, MN where they owned Stoa?s Grocery Store for about eight years. In August of 1955 the family moved to Lake Mary where they ran Little Mary Resort. Elsie and Walter also operated a chicken farm and sold thousands of hatching eggs to Jack Frost in St. Cloud, MN for many years. In 1984 Elsie and Walter sold their resort but continued living at the lake. In 2005 they moved into Alexandria to Winona Shores. Elsie was always active in her church. She was a member of the Ladies Aide and sang in the ladies chorus. Elsie was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Holmes City. Elsie was a true outdoorswoman. She enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting. She liked fishing, both in the winter and summer. In her younger days she spent winters trapping mink and beaver to add to the family income. Horse back riding and snowmobile riding were also something Elsie enjoyed. Elsie enjoyed spending time playing cards with friends and neighbors, especially whist. Elsie died on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the age of eighty-nine years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Stoa; and one brother, Robert Pederson. Elsie is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Linnell of Chicago, IL; one sister-in-law, Shirley Pederson of Starbuck; one niece, Sheila and husband, Dan Swartz of Starbuck; and two nephews, Rodney Pederson and wife, Rita, of St. Cloud, MN and Robbie Pederson and wife, Ann, of Louisville, KY; and all of their families. A funeral service was held on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holmes City, MN with the Reverend Denise Croskey officiating. Jan Myhr was the organist and Carrie Wiesner was the soloist. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery near Holmes City, MN. Casket bearers were Rodney Pederson, Aaron Swartz, Dan Swartz John Pederson, Warren Hagestuen and Burnell Hagestuen. Honorary casket bearers were Joan Suckow, Stacha Hagen, Mary Anderson, Dayton Williamson, Margaret Williamson and All of Esie?s Cargivers at Bethany Home. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.