Elva A. Stokebrand Obituary (1916 - 2012)

Elva A. Stokebrand, 95 years of age, of Crete, formerly of DeWitt passed away at the Crete Medical Center on Sunday morning, January 8, 2012. She was born on September 3, 1916 near DeWitt to Fred and Caroline (Bergmeier) Kracke. She was a 1934 graduate of DeWitt High School and lived in the DeWitt area her entire life. Elva and Martin E. Stokebrand were married on August 21, 1934 near DeWitt. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt and had been involved in the Women's Circle. Elva enjoyed flowers, gardening, and playing cards (especially bridge). Survivors include 2 sons, Duane Stokebrand and wife Beverly of Lincoln, and Larry Stokebrand and wife Jeanne of Belle Vista, Arkansas; daughter Diane Heller and husband Tom of Omaha; 10 grandchildren, Jill Cammack and husband Mike, John Stokebrand, James Stokebrand, Ann Marty and husband Chuck, Kim Childress and husband Curt, Michael Stokebrand, Dean Stokebrand, Krystal Kolb and husband Scot, Bill Heller, and Tim Heller and wife Kelli; and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Caroline (Bergmeier) Kracke; husband Martin E. Stokebrand (1979); and son Roger Stokebrand. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, January 12, 2012 in the Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt with Reverend Ken Kramer officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, DeWitt. The body will lie in state Tuesday from 2-9:00 and Wednesday from 9-12:00 at the Venrick-Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in DeWitt and at the church one hour preceding the service. A family prayer service will be held at 2:15 P.M. Wednesday at the church. A memorial has been established to the church and the DeWitt Historical Society with Jerry and Bette Mangels in charge. Sign Elva's guest book and watch her video tribute at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Venrick-Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in DeWitt.