Obituary of Priscilla Elgersma

Memorial Tribute Priscilla Eileen Milner Irwin Elgersma, daughter of Richard and Florence (Hathaway) Milner, was born October 30, 1924 in Westfield, IA. She spent her childhood years on the farm at Westfield and received her education from Liberty Consolidated School at Merrill, IA, graduating with the class of 1942. Priscilla continued her education for the next three years at the National Business Institute in Sioux City, IA, and then attended Dakota Wesleyan University at Mitchell, SD in 1946. On November 10, 1944, Priscilla was united in marriage to George Irwin at the Adaville United Brethern Church in Merrill. To this union four children were born: Richard, Ronald, Randall and Debra. The family made their home at Mitchell where George passed away on October 5, 1970. In 1972, Priscilla moved to Primghar, IA, working at the O'Brien County REC. On November 5, 1977, Priscilla married Sam Elgersma at Primghar where they made their home until Sam's death on January 10, 1995. Priscilla continued to live in Primghar, passing away there on November 10, 2013. Priscilla's business career began working for the Hines Bookkeeping & Tax Service (1942-1944), Thallas Florists (1944-1945) and Marvin Sprunk & Broeker Hendrickson CPA Firm (1966-1972). She then worked for the O'Brien County REC (1972-1989), Mary Oosterhuis (1989-1992), and became the Secretary for the American Reformed Church in Primghar (1992-2000). She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and yet found time to volunteer in the Kinship Program, the local Hospice group and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a Past-President of the Primghar Federated Women's Club, taught Sunday School and Bible School, and served on several church committees. When she did find spare time, Priscilla enjoyed traveling, gardening, and a good game of cards. Quieter times were spent working counted cross-stitch or sharing thoughts at Bible Study. She is survived by her step-mother, Ann Milner; her children and their families: Richard (Diann) Irwin of Watertown, SD, Ronald (Janene) Irwin of Pillager, MN, Randall (Myrna) Irwin of Minot, SD, and Debra Irwin (Wayne Rosamond) of Chapel Hill, NC; step-children: Les Elgersma of LeMars, IA, and Patricia (Ed) Hedinger of Paullina, IA; grandchildren: Molly Irwin, Andrew Irwin, Ryan Rosamond, Sonni Cosby, Nona Jents, Suzanne Olson, and Darren Anderson; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; step-brother, Robert (Ronda) Milner of Sioux City, IA; sister, Janet Higgins of San Antonio, TX,; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Preceding her in death were her parents; husbands, George Irwin and Sam Elgersma; sisters: Audrey Swalley, Wilma Milner and Patricia Milner; brothers-in-law: Chuck Swalley and Jerry Higgins.