Elsie K. (Nufer) Verhelst

Elsie K. (Nufer) Verhelst died Saturday evening, May 14, 2016, at the Reunion Plaza, Tyler, Texas.

She was born in Wetaskawin, Alberta, Canada on February 26, 1915 to Martin and Antionetta (Deutsch) Nufer. She with her parents returned to Kansas in 1917.

On September 4, 1938 she married Pete B. Verhelst of Forgan, Oklahoma.

In 1950 they purchased a grocery store in Dodge City and operated it until moving to Meade, in 1953 to open a grocery store. In 1957 Pete & Elsie built the Meade Motel across from the hospital. Pete died in 1958 and Elsie operated the motel until 1971.

Elsie was a life long member of the Lutheran church.

Survivors include: one son Jerry (Pat) Verhelst, one daughter La Veda (Roger) Mollnow, seven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband Pete, one son Johnnie (2000), four brothers, Melvin, Alvin, Leo, and Elmer, four sisters Leah Harms, Louise Eichman, Rachel Gilliland, Edna Ashley (Elsie’s twin), and her parents.

Private family graveside services will be held at Graceland Cemetery, Meade, Kansas. Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade, Kansas, is in charge of arrangements.