Elva Kahlstorf

Elva Hazel (Miller) Kahlstorf, of McPherson and formerly of Lake George, Minnesota, died Thursday, March 15, 2007, at Alterra Sterling House, McPherson.

Elva was the daughter of pioneer parents, Henry and Laura Miller, and was born October 12, 1910, at Lake George, Minnesota. She was the fourth of eight siblings. As the oldest girl, she helped her mother tend her younger siblings, cook meals, bake bread, and work in the garden. She walked several miles to attend a one-room country school. Later, she attended high school in Bemidji, Minnesota. Elva worked as a domestic for a wealthy family that "summered" at Lake George.

On October 12, 1932, she married Elmer Kahlstorf at Hubbard, Minnesota. This union was blessed with one daughter, Doris Anne.

Elva was a homemaker and bookkeeper for her husband's road construction business for many years, until their retirement. She was a life-long member of the Free Methodist Church of Kabekona, Minnesota. She taught Sunday school and was involved with the mission programs. The local church, higher education, and missions were concerns close to Elva's heart, and she encouraged many in these services.

In retirement years, Elva and Elmer enjoyed wintering at Floral City, Florida for 21 years, returning to Lake George, MN for the summers. They traveled extensively, visiting many foreign missions. Elva enjoyed cooking, reading, and collecting various antiques.

Elva moved to McPherson, Kansas in 1989 to live near family. Here, she made friends through the local church. In 1997, Elva moved into Alterra Sterling House, an assisted living complex.

Elva entered peacefully into eternal rest at 96 years of age. She is survived by her only daughter, Doris (Kahlstorf) Short and husband, H. Harold, of McPherson, KS; two grandsons, Troy Short and wife, Amy, and children, Mikayla and Erika, of Grand Rapids, MI and Trent Short and wife, Terri, and children, Teagan and Thomas, of Alliance, NE; one sister, Verna Frey and husband, Earl, of Coon Rapids, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her parents, and her husband, Elmer of 69 years, preceded her in death, along with four brothers, George, Clifford, Vernon, and Willis Miller and two sisters, Maude Arvidson and Mabel Peterson.

The funeral service will be on Monday, March 19, 2007, at 11:00 AM at the Free Methodist Church, McPherson with the Rev. Tom Griffith officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 4:00 PM with the family present from 2:00 to 4:00PM on Sunday, March 18, 2007, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be given to the Central Christian College of Kansas or Free Methodist Missions in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elva Kahlstorf please visit our Sympathy Store.