Gordon L. Elsner

ELSNER, GORDON L.

Gordon L. Elsner, age 99, of Appleton, died on Sunday, April 16, 2006, at Franciscan Care Center, Appleton. Gordon was born on March 19, 1907, in Appleton to the late Louis and Theresa (Christl) Elsner. He married Lola Luchterhand on March 26, 1931; she preceded him in death on August 31, 1988. Gordon was employed for over 30 years at Wire Works, in Menasha (now known as Albany International), retiring in 1971. Gordie took great pride in his life-long work as a wire weaver. He was a proud member of Albany International’s Quarter Century Club. Gordie and his wife also owned and operated Lola’s Victory Club Tavern in Menasha in 1940s. He had a hobby farm on Elsner Road for nearly 30 years. In 1948 Gordie and Lola began spending time at a cottage they purchased on Pickerel Lake. Upon his retirement as a wire weaver in 1963, they moved to a retirement home he built on Pickerel Lake. They both enjoyed their full time retirement years at Pickerel, especially the time spent fishing and traveling. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Pickerel. Survivors include his daughter, Carol Ann Meulemans, Kaukauna; his daughter-in-law, Toshiko Morgan, Harlingen, Texas; his son-in-law, Gerhardt Pergande, Milwaukee; his brother, Stuart Elsner, Appleton; his sister, Verona Smith, Menasha; his grandchildren, Nancy (Bob) Wise, Appleton; Pamela (Bill) Cipala, Richfield, Minnesota; James (Jane) Meulemans, Kaukauna; Lance Pergande, Waukesha; Julie (Dan) Wagner, Sussex; and Gena (Dean) Geyser, Milwaukee; four great grandchildren; and his nieces. He was preceded in death by his son, Merlin; his daughter, Dawn Pergande; his son-in-law, Howard Meulemans; and Toshiko’s husband, Jack Morgan; his sisters, Eldora Inman, Lucille Strang, and Jane Smith; and his brothers, Willis, Sr., and Ward Elsner. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, Appleton, with Rev. Rex Rinne of Celebration Lutheran Church officiating. Friends may call directly at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. A memorial has been established in Gordon’s name to benefit Celebration Lutheran Church. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff on 1 North at Franciscan Care Center for their loving care.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com