Elsie Mae Hey

Elsie Mae Ver Hey, age 87, of Edgerton, Minnesota, passed away on August 15, 2025. She was born on January 4, 1938, on the family farm near Chandler, Minnesota. She moved to Edgerton in her high school years, graduating from Edgerton Public School in 1955.

On May 15, 1956, Elsie was united in marriage to Art Ver Hey. They began their married life on various farms, eventually settling on a farm north of Edgerton where they lived for many years. In 1976, Elsie started her career as a rural mail carrier, a role she held until her retirement. The couple moved into Edgerton in 1994. Elsie later became a resident of Edgebrook Care Center in August of 2022.

Elsie was a woman who found joy in many things. Her passions included gardening, sewing, and quilting. She was an avid reader, especially of the Bible, which she read from cover to cover every year. She also enjoyed working on word puzzles and studying God's word.

A dedicated volunteer, Elsie gave her time generously to Edgebrook and the Women's Legion Auxiliary. Her loving spirit was a hallmark of her character, and she was known for always putting the needs of others before her own. She cherished her family, particularly her grandchildren, and her sense of humor and laughter were infectious.

Elsie also dedicated many years of service to her church and community. She served as the janitor for the Protestant Reformed Church for many years and also volunteered at the Free Christian School, helping with music.

Elsie is lovingly remembered by her children: Joan (Gary) DeVries, Melanie Ver Hey, Coleen Ver Hey, and Jim (Lissa) Ver Hey, all of Edgerton, Minnesota. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren: Jessica, Molly, Heather, Jordan, and Hannah; Brandi, Philip, and Christopher; and Elise, Colin, Caleb, Casey, and Arie. She is also survived by her siblings, Fran Anker, Rose (Art) Bleyenburg, and her sister-in-law, Jeanne Jabaay.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Art, her grandson Heath DeVries, three brothers, and seven sisters.