Winifred Elmborg

Winifred Mathilda Thoren Elmborg, 96, of Blue Rapids, Kansas, died Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Blue Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in Blue Rapids, Kansas.

Winifred Mathilda Thoren Elmborg was born on April 29, 1929 in Malmo, Nebraska, a daughter of Arnold Sr. and Clara Holtorf Thoren. Winifred married John R. Elmborg on September 24, 1971 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Winifred graduated from Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas and completed her Master of Education at the University of Nebraska. Winifred taught in Salina, KS and Lincoln, NE before becoming the first-grade teacher at Valley Heights Elementary in Blue Rapids, KS from 1973 until her retirement in 1994.

She was an artist who loved painting the landscapes of Kansas and Colorado, or views that she found while traveling with her husband John. Winifred was an amazing seamstress, enjoyed singing, playing the piano, organ, and the dulcimer, along with other musical instruments. Winifred was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, and the Sigma Beta Phi sorority. Serving her church, students and community is what gave Winifred joy.

Winifred was preceded in death by her husband John R. Elmborg, sister Clara Pauline Rottman, brother Arnold Victor Thoren Jr. (Barbara), and brother Paul Nathaniel Thoren.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Barbara Thoren (Arnold), Niece Pamela B. Hall (Mark), Niece Christine D. Steger (Tom), Niece Elizabeth A. Peterson (Garth), Nephew David A. Thoren (Janet), Nephew Steven Sindoni, Niece Christine Lanigan-Sindoni, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Funeral services are planned for 10:00 am, Friday, September 12, 2025, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Waterville with Pastor David Thompson officiating. Kim Oatney will be the musician. Music will include Mike Minihan singing “How Great Thou Art” and a congregational hymn of “Beautiful Savior”. A private burial with family is at Prospect Hill Cemetery, north of Blue Rapids. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Memorials can be sent to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.

Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, in charge of arrangements.