Elsa Ace Heier Liepold

She was born January 1, 1923 in a small village outside of Odessa, Russia to wealthy German landowners, Paulina and Adolf Heier. The oldest of seven children, her family escaped for their lives from the Bolshevik Revolution. A harrowing adventure with jewels stitched into their clothes, one suitcase, a sinking ship and grave illness ultimately lead to her family be ing saved with the aid of the Lutheran Church. The Heiers emigrated to Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

At 18 Elsa trained at Grey Nuns Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan to become a Registered Nurse.

Following WWII she met John Junior Liepold in Bengough, Saskatchewan, married him June 25, 1950, became a US citizen and settled in Boring, Oregon in 1952 where they established Liepold Farms. The Liepold home was the daily social hub for fellow parishioners, friends and neighbors where everyone was welcome for coffee, a bite to eat and conversation. Ace, as she was commonly referred to, was very friendly and socially outgoing. She developed an amazing social network over her lifetime.

Elsa spoke 4 languages, read extensively, traveled, loved polka music, and aided in the plight of refugees from around the world as her family had been helped. Deeply believing in the German saying, ‘work makes life sweet,” Elsa would say to all, “American is where any dream can be earned with hard work.” She realized her dream by proudly nursing for 43 years, raising her children, and farming with her husband of 62 years.

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As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham for over 55 years, Elsa was tireless in helping others escape political or religious persecution to establish within the community. She was thankful to God for her blessings and most for the love of her family.

Elsa is survived by her husband John; 3 brothers, Irv Heier and Walt Heier of British Columbia, Skip Heier of Ontario and her sister, Ime Heier of British Columbia; her 3 children and their spouses, Rod and Marcia Liepold of Boring, Marcia (Liepold) and Jim Patterson of Boring, Mark and Carla Liepold of Boring; her 8 grandchildren Michelle (Liepold) Krummenacker of Happy Valley, Jeff Liepold of Boring, Jon Liepold of Portland, Melody Eisenzimmer of Sandy, James Struck of Newport Beach, California, Heather Patterson of Klamath Falls, Kim Liepold of Gresham, and Katy Liepold of Boring and finally her 13 great grandchildren.

The celebration of Life will be at Trinity Lutheran Church located at 507 W. Powell Blvd. in Gresham on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to Mt. Hood Hospice in her honor.