Elsie Marie Struempler

Elsie Marie (Knispel) Struempler of Broken Bow, formerly of Oconto, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Brookestone View in Broken Bow at the age of 98. She was born August 23, 1924 to William and Clara (Knoop) Knispel in a sod house on a farm west of Eddyville, Nebraska. Elsie married Herbert Struempler on January 20, 1948 at the Christ Lutheran Church southwest of Oconto. 

Together the couple farmed and ranched west of Oconto. They traveled on many bus trips in their retirement. Elsie was active in the Redfern Social Club, and participated in a women’s bowling league for years. She was always up for a card game. Elsie had many talents that included crafting, sewing and cake decorating. Her favorite holiday was Halloween. She had great fun “spooking” her great grandkids and other unsuspecting victims. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church at Buffalo Community.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herb; siblings, Alfred and Arlene; son in law, Lloyd Eggleston.

Survivors include her children, Maynard (Judy) Struempler of Oconto, Sandra Eggleston of Broken Bow, and Diane (Harold) Kettelhake of Elk Creek; brother, LaVerne “Bud” Knispel; grandchildren, Cody (Tonia) Eggleston, Justin (Karisa) Eggleston, Marty (Lisa) Eggleston, Marla (Curtis) Stallbaumer, Rachel (Travis) Kleensang, Layne (Rebecca) Kettelhake; great grandchildren, Shelby (Bradley) McArthur, Bryce (Shealyn) Eggleston, Seth Eggleston, Isaac (Gracie) Stallbaumer, Owen, Abby and Emma Stallbaumer, Allison (Noah) Eivins, Lauren and Connor Kleensang, Korbynn and Kacynn Kettelhake; great great grandchildren, Ross and Kell McArthur; sisters in law, Elsie Cyriacks, Bonnie Struempler and Adele Chandler; brother in law, Ronald Struempler; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Memorials are suggested to Christ Lutheran Cemetery or First Lutheran Church at Buffalo. Services will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church at Buffalo Community with Pastor Victor Rasmussen officiating. Burial will follow at Christ Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 1 to 7 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.