Elsie Lathrop

Elsie Selma Lathrop, age 92 a longtime Lake George, MN area resident, entered the glorious presence of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at the Sanford-Bemidji Medical Center. Elsie was born on March 15, 1921 in Nevis, MN to Severt and Esther (Larson) Lovik. She attended public school and grew into adulthood in Nevis. As a young woman, Elsie worked at the Pine Cone Lodge near Dorset and also at the Ben Franklin Store in Park Rapids. She was united in marriage to Ralph Lathrop on December 29, 1939 in Bemidji. This union was blessed with four children: Hazel, Ruth, Larry and Kenny. Elsie devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious cakes and cookies. The young family moved to Lake George in 1945 where Elsie was very involved in the community. Her baking skills were known outside of her home as she was called upon to bake and decorate many cakes for weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. In addition She and Ralph owned and operated the Lake George Laundry for 14 years. They helped build the Lake George Bible Chapel where throughout the years she served as a Sunday School teacher, Church treasurer and in the women's ministries. She loved to sing and especially enjoyed the years she was part of a women's trio called the "GEMS" for Gladys, Elsie and Martha. She was also involved with her children in the 4-H organization where she served as a leader for 17 years. She was a Master gardener who looked forward to raising an abundant crop of vegetables each year. Her motto was "we'll eat all we can and what we can't we will can". She was still canning up to a 1000 quarts until just several years ago. Elsie also served as a home health aid and would often be called by friends and neighbors for many types of medical emergenciesin fact, she was probably Lake George's first ever "first responder". She also had served as the chaplain for the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and as a Lake George election judge for many years. She had the gift of hospitality and everyone knew her coffee pot was always on. She enjoyed making quilts in her spare time and many new babies in the Lake George area received a gift of her handiwork with love sewn into every stitch. She enjoyed traveling and had taken several trips to California. In her quiet times, Elsie enjoyed watching "Wheel of Fortune" and Bob Barker's "The Price Is Right" on television. She was also a loyal fan of the MN Twins and Timberwolves. Above all, Elsie will be remembered for her sincere concern and love for her family, friends and neighbors. She will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters: Hazel Erickson of Minneapolis and Ruth Johnson of Wadena; her two sons: Larry (Cristy) Lathrop of Lake George and Manilla in the Phillipines and Kenny (Debi) Lathrop of Lake George; 7 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph in 1991 and two grandchildren: Sherry Calabrese in 1996 and Kelly Joe Conway in 1963. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, April 4, 2014 at the Lake George Bible Chapel with Pastor John Weiher officiating. The organist will be Sharon Hadrava. Congregational hymns will be: "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "In The Garden" and "Abide With Me". The casket bearers will be: Donnie Moe, Gerald Moe, Dennis Bessler, Dave Karam, Bruce Bailey and Greg Giese. The honorary casket bearers will be Elsie's grandchildren. Interment will be made in the Lake George Cemetery next to her husband, Ralph. Visitation will be held 5 to 8 PM on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Following the funeral a luncheon will be hosted by the Lake George Bible Chapel.