Elma E. Vreeland

The Spring of 1920 the Church family moved from Maryland to Murdo, SD with the exception of Elma’s mother who stayed in Waukon Iowa until the birth of Elma. After birth they joined the rest of the family in Murdo. She attended grade and high school in Murdo, SD graduating in 1939.

Haakon and Elma Anderson were married February 26. 1940 and to that union four children were born. Jorgina (Bob) AZ, Chris (Belva) SD, Clevie (Ted) AZ and Lynette (Rick) UT They lived in Murdo with a brief stay in Van Meter, until 1963 when they moved to Tucson, Arizona. They retired to Apache Junction 1982 where they spent the rest of their days.

Haakon went be with his Savior in 1992. Elma married her brother in law, Leo Vreeland. In 1995. The kids fondly called them Uncle Dad and Aunt Mom. Leo died in 2005.

Elma spent most of work life as a nurses aid in Murdo and Tucson. She spent her long retirement developing friendships, drinking coffee and playing cards. Although cooking was not her favorite activity she loved to make noodles, Norwegian buns and cactus jelly to give away.

Elma was proceeded in death by her husbands, Haakon and Leo, her daughter, Jorgina, her parents Charles Wellington (Deak) and Gertrude Church, her brothers Roy and Bud and her sisters, Helen, Clevie, Marie, Ruth, Genieve and Lucille.

Elma is survived by 3 of her children and spouses, 9 grandchhildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Elma will be laid to rest beside Haakon at South Lawn Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona

Arrangements under the direction of Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, Mesa, AZ.