Elmira Dora TeSelle was born on September 5, 1927 to Benjamin and Lusetta Oltman. Elmira entered this world alongside her twin sister, Eleanor, and was the youngest of four children; Willa Mae, Milford. Eleanor and Elmira. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and graduated as Salutatorian from Cortland High School in 1945.
On October 23, 1949, Elmira married Norman TeSelle, and together they built a life on a farm near Firth, Nebraska. Two years later, they welcomed their first daughter, Joyce, later followed by son Darrell and then daughter Sharon.
Elmira cherished her bond with her twin sister, Eleanor. Their relationship remained strong throughout their lives—they raised their children side by side, sang duets at church and community gatherings (Elmira as alto, Eleanor as soprano), and even dressed alike at social gatherings up to a few years ago.
She found joy in embroidery, sewing, gardening, and homemaking. Elmira was especially particular about her baking—her chocolate chip cookies were always perfect, with no “broken ones.” She was a long time member of the United Methodist Church and Women in Faith Hallam, Nebraska. Elmira’s faith was strong and guided her through life’s challenges and blessings.
The last several years, she enjoyed cheering for the Kansas City Royals baseball and Nebraska Huskers sport events but above all, she loved her family. Elmira was deeply proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including the furry ones. She attended theatrical plays, sporting events, graduations, and countless other milestones, always showing her unwavering support.
Elmira’s family loved her dearly and will miss her profoundly. Her influence helped shape them into the people they are today, and her legacy will continue to live on in each of them.
Memorials can be made to Hallam United Methodist Church or St Croix Hospice.
She is survived by her children, Joyce (Richard) Harms, Darrell (Lynette) TeSelle, and Sharon (Thomas) O’Toole; grandchildren Brent (Tiara) Harms, Kara Harms, Tanner (Emilie) O’Toole, and Alex O’Toole; Great-Grandchildren Cameron Harms, Calvin, Malcolm, and Liam O’Toole; twin sister Eleanor Moormeier and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman TeSelle, sister Willa Mae (Merle) Drent, brother Milford (Marilyn) Oltman, brother-in-law Clifford Moormeier, sisters-in-law Ruth (Albert) Rohrs and Norma (Russell) Prophet, brothers-in-law Lawrence (Agnes) TeSelle and Earl TeSelle, and nephews Harlan Drent, Jerry Moormeier, Doug Oltman, Eugene TeSelle and Robert Prophet; and parents.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00pm with a funeral service at 2:00pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68512. Memorials can be made to Hallam United Methodist Church or St Croix Hospice. Condolences may be left at lincolnfh.com.
