Timothy Michael "Tim" Elsner

Elsner, Timothy Michael (Tim)

September 22, 1962-February 28, 2026

Tim was born to Roger and Diane (nee Richard) Elsner in Milwaukee. He was the fifth child in a family of seven. He attended St. Stephen Martyr Grade School, Messmer High School, and earned both a bachelor's and master's degree (Russian history) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Tim excelled in both music and art. He taught himself the guitar and was rarely seen without one nearby thereafter. He was a prolific songwriter and was in the process of recording an album at Moonlight Label in Chicago, IL.

Tim had many different jobs throughout his life but none of them defined who he was. He was a free spirit and always did things on his own terms. He was incredibly well read and kept abreast of world affairs daily. He loved engaging anyone in a discussion and he never missed an opportunity to share his political views.

Tim was a student of the world and met friends everywhere he went. He lived all over the United States and traveled to the former U.S.S.R. and eastern Europe. Tim was a "big city" guy, loving the excitement and energy of Chicago in particular. But true to his hometown roots, he was a huge Milwaukee Brewers fan. He was disappointed he wouldn't get to see them win a World Series in his lifetime.

He married Margery in 1990 and, while the marriage ended, she was one of his closest friends in the end.

Tim was living in North Carolina when he was diagnosed with MDS. He moved back to the Milwaukee area to live with family in the fall of 2025 to receive more intensive treatment. The end goal was a bone marrow transplant. After a long battle, he fell just short. He died with his family at his side. Cancer is an unfair fight.

He is survived by brothers Thomas (Mary), Daniel (Lori), James (Svetla), John (Marie), David (Rhoda), and sister Jennifer (Amber) Elsner-Miller.

Plans for a celebration of life are in the works for September 2026 in Wisconsin. If you would like to be kept informed of the date, please contact Jenny at: timfamily2026@gmail.com.