Elvira Wilson

 

Elvira A. Wilson, 101, of St. Charles died Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Whitewater Health Services in St. Charles. Elvira was born November 25, 1921 in St. Charles to Albert and Alma (Pfeil) Michael. She grew up on the family farm north of St. Charles. At the age of sixteen, Elvira and Jim Wilson began dating, beginning a relationship that lasted a lifetime. They were married June 11, 1946, following Jim’s military discharge. They went on to make their home in St. Charles, raising their five children. Elvira stayed home to raise her family, and was active in her church, St. Matthew Lutheran, taking part in the many ‘election Tuesday church chicken dinners.’

Elvira will be remembered for her delicious sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls. She was loved by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, being known as “great-grandma with the white hair.”  Also, for getting down on the floor and playing with them. Family fishing trips when her children were young were an adventure, as they loaded up the 1959 Belair to the limit with the family of seven and their gear. She enjoyed growing African Violets and flower gardening, as well as playing cards with family. She was a giver, but always made sure gifts were even for all. Family Sunday dinners, following church, were a staple. Card games with her sisters, the Michael girls, were memorable events, bringing out the competitive nature in all. The sisters were a team, it was known that you did not mess with the Michael girls. Jim died May 30, 2006. Elvira “Missed him every day.”

Survivors include her five children, Larry (Linda) Wilson; Keith (Linda) Wilson; Wayne (Mary Jo) Wilson; James (Darlene) Wilson; and Nancy (Brian) Dotterwick,, eleven grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  Elvira was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, a great-grandson, Lucas Wilson, and her sisters, Margaret Martinson, Hazel Zitzow, Violet Janzow, and Neva Dreher.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Thomas Fast officiating. A visitation will be from 10 – 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the church. www.hofffuneral.com.