Oliva "Toots" E. Pelzel
Oliva E. “Toots” Pelzel age 87 of Elmwood, died Friday February 6, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.
Oliva was born December 8, 1927 in the Township of Eau Galle on the home farm. She was the daughter of John and Clara (Seipel) Lecheler and grew up in the Farm Hill -Elmwood community. She married Edward L. Pelzel on October 1, 1946 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church at Farm Hill and they were one of the last couples to be married there before it was closed. After marriage they made their home in the Rock Elm area, rural Elmwood where they raised their family and farmed until 1987. After Edward’s death in 1987, Oliva worked as a Dietary Aid at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home until she retired in the fall of 2011. In 1997 Oliva moved into the Village of Elmwood where she remained the rest of her life.
Oliva lived her life around her faith and her family. She made sure that everyone was well fed and taken care of. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, taking care of her grandchildren, which brought her great joy.
Oliva is survived by four sons, Terry (Denise) of Plum City, Dan (Sue) of Elmwood, Jeff (Shawn Scheel) of Spring Valley, Roger (Sheila) of Hudson; two daughters, Pat Peterson of River Falls, Kathy (Bruce) Dehnke of Fall Creek, a daughter-in-law, Nancy Pelzel of Elmwood; 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and a sister, Leona Horn of Ellsworth.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward L., a son Edward J. in 2010, and five brothers, George, Joseph, Henry, Harold and Albert Lecheler.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, February 13, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood with Rev. Kevin Louis, STL officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4:30 to 8:00 PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.