Magdalene Barbara Heim Elsken

Magdalene Barbara Heim Elsken was born on July 18, 1919 at St. Edward’s Infirmary in Fort Smith. She was soon adopted into the loving family of Emil and Frances Heim of Fort Smith. She attended St. Boniface Grade School and graduated from St. Scholastica Academy in May of 1937. She married Rupert C. Elsken of Paris, Arkansas on August 17, 1939 at St. Boniface Church.

She was one of the members of the so called “greatest generation” in that she lived through the great depression and then World War II. While her husband was called away to military duty she stayed at home with a young family keeping life for them as normal as possible. After the war she became a stay at home mom. All her children received a Catholic education and were encouraged to attend and given the opportunity of college if they wished. After the family grew up she worked for a time at Von Hattens Bakery.

In 1998 her husband Rupert passed away and not too long after that she had to accept reluctantly moving into an assisted living community. She died on Sunday December 30, 2012 in Ft. Smith. She was 93.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rupert, her father and mother Emil and Frances and her brother Leo and sister Margaret.

She is survived by her children, Barbara and husband John Ballard of Disney, Oklahoma, Jerome Elsken, Michael and wife Jo Anne Elsken and Jeffery and wife Linda Elsken of Fort Smith, Janice and husband Don Chism of Las Vegas, and Kevin and wife Darla Elsken of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She also has 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Rosary will be said at 7:00 PM Thursday, January 3, 2013 at Fentress Mortuary Chapel. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church on Friday January 4, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. She will be buried at Holy Cross cemetery next to her husband, father, and mother.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren Cara Sutcliff, Lynn Ballard, Mark Elsken, Catherine Elsken, Christopher Elsken, Jason Elsken, Peta Lacy, Leah Dwin, Ryan Chism and Quinton Elsken.

Memorials may be sent to St. Boniface Catholic Church 1820 North “B” Street Fort Smith, AR 72901.