An amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many left us on Monday, November 5, 2018, at the age of 92. Elizabeth (Elsie) Lydia Werbelow was born in Grodig, Austria on March 8, 1926 the oldest child of Elizabeth (Prechtl) and Johann Bandhauer.
She met the love of her life, Elmer (Bud) Werbelow in August 1945, following the end of WWII while on a blind date. Her family affectionately called him GI Joe and loved him very much.
The couple married August 20, 1947, in Salzburg, Austria. In June 1948, they traveled to America by ship arriving in New York City followed by the lengthy bus ride to Emblem, WY. To this union 5 children were born, Deanna, John, Ken, Ray and Pat.
After completing Bud’s military service in Tacoma, WA, they set up housekeeping in Emblem where Bud farmed with his Uncle Elmer Blank. Elsie was busy mothering five children along with studying many hours for her US Citizenship.
In the fall of 1955 they moved to Kremlin, MT. In October 1962 the family moved back to Emblem where Bud farmed with his brothers, George and Joe. Elsie kept very busy raising big gardens, cleaning houses for neighbors, raising bum lambs, butchering chickens, canning fruits and vegetables. During this time she honed her English and cooking skills with the help of her mother-in-law, Ella.
In 1966 Bud and Elsie and sons returned to Kremlin where they lived for the next 39 years. They had many friends and enjoyed numerous activities such as pinochle, singing in the Community Choir and bowling. Elsie cooked at the Kremlin School for 29 years and enjoyed the children. At home she always had the coffee pot on and her famous rozettes or a cookie as a treat for her many visitors. They were members of the Kremlin Lutheran Church where she was active in the Mission Circle. She enjoyed making many crafts and going to craft fairs.
Bud and Elsie moved to Sheridan in 2005 to be closer to family members. Bud passed away in 2008. Following a hip fracture Elsie entered into Elmcroft Sugarland Ridge and resided there until her death.
She received excellent care and concern from the staff at her residence.
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, her parents, brother Hans, sisters Johanna and Dora and son- in-law Curt Brenden. She is survived by her children, Deanna, John (Jenny), Ken (Kathy), Ray (Marie), Pat (Lana), 15 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, her sisters Mia and Fritzi (Franz) from Austria, brother Franz (Erika) from Germany, numerous nieces and nephews in Europe and the US.
A Viewing/Visitation will be 1 to 3 PM, Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Kane Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be at 10 AM, Monday, November 12, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, Emblem, WY with Pastor Tinglund officiating. Burial will follow in the Emblem Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church following the interment.
Memorials to honor Elsie may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 135 Cresent Dr., Sheridan, WY 82801, Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-03001 or the charity of donors choice.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
