Rachel Ellen Elger

Rachel Ellen (Weir) Elger

Rachel Ellen (Weir) Elger of Westminster, CO passed away 22 May 2026. She was born on December 31, 1931, in Milwaukee, WI to Walter Allen and Mary Altha (White) Weir. Her parents were tenant farmers, so Rachel spent happy days at different farms throughout her childhood. She and her husband – of seventy-three years! – Benjamin (Ben) Francis Elger, met while attending Waukesha High School. After graduating in 1949, she was accepted at Milwaukee County Hospital School of Nursing (MCHSN). On June 2, 1951, Rachel received special permission from MCHSN to marry while still a student. This broke a major barrier of the time in which women were not allowed to be married while in nursing school. She received her nursing diploma in 1952 and accomplished her childhood dream of becoming a nurse.

After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, Ben was honorably discharged, and enrolled in a Minneapolis, MN seminary while Rachel continued with her nursing profession. In 1960, Ben graduated from seminary and she became a “pastor’s spouse” while continuing to pursue her nursing passion. Over the next forty-three years, she became involved in numerous, diverse nursing roles (e.g., float pool, neonatal, Public Health, medical-surgical, and oncology). During these years Rachel also held leadership roles in the Lutheran Church Women (LCW) of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan and Rocky Mountains. In 1985, she traveled with other LCW synod leaders to southeast Asia. She retired from bedside clinical nursing in 1995.

Shortly after, Ben retired and the two of them began a new life in Estes Park, CO, where they spent five wonderful years living in the mountains, hiking endlessly, and enjoying the diversity of wildlife and nature. In 1990, they moved to Westminster, CO and joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder, CO. As a member, Rachel enjoyed finding ways to become involved (e.g., parish nursing , choir member, church librarian, bell choir, Women’s Circle, Stephen Minister, and volunteered for various social ministries and educational opportunities).

Over her lifetime, Rachel was an avid sewer. She made clothes for herself and family that included everything from Halloween costumes to wedding dresses, numerous alterations and loads of quilts. It was not surprising that everyone in the family received quilts either for a high school graduation, wedding or baby shower. As if these 20+ quilts were not enough, she also volunteered as a quilter for “Quilts for Kids” and made copious quilts for children facing difficult life events. Both she and Ben had a passion for traveling domestically and abroad (e.g., Germany, Scotland, Holy Land, England). For over twenty years, she was an avid genealogist researching 400+ family members from the U.S., Scotland, England, and Germany. It was a passion and joy she passed onto her daughters. Many days were filled with hours of wonder, excitement and discovery researching family members from earlier days.

Guided by her Christian faith, Rachel devoted her life to caring for others, supporting her family, and encouraging those around her. Her compassionate spirit, endless generosity, and faithful service quietly touched many lives and left a lasting impact.

Rachel is survived by her children Cynthia Elger (Sheila Bennett); Stephen Elger (Joan); David Elger (Anita); Mary Elger-Lonzarich (Dave); grandchildren Dan (Sarah); Eric (Kim); Sara Grassmeyer (Brady); Brianne DeJac (Cameron); Jessica Strawn (Dakota); Leo Lonzarich; Lydia Lonzarich; and great-grandchildren Mila and Clara Elger; Ted and Tessa Elger; Rory and Ryan DeJac; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by husband Benjamin, sister Joyce and brothers David and Paul.

In lieu of flower, memorial gifts may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church specifically for:

· Social Ministry – for their continued work in Health Ministries (i.e., medical loan closet, St. Benedicts Health Services, Pharmacy Fund at Clinica)

· Trinity Live Stream and Sound System – Improvement of live streaming / sound system for church services and meetings for the homebound

Memorial service:

· 20 June 2026 at 1:00, Trinity Lutheran Church, 2200 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302;

The Rev. Dr. Pamela Challis, officiant

· Reception Following Service: 20 June 2026, Trinity Lutheran Church

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Interment:

· 17 July 2026, 1:00 p.m. at Prairie Home Cemetery 605 S Prairie Ave., Waukesha, WI, 53186; Cynthia Elger and Mary Elger-Lonzarich officiants

Stork-Morley Funerals and Cremation

Mark Hernandez, Funeral Director 1895 Wadsworth Blvd., 303-489-9415; https://storkmorleyfh.com

Broadcast Date: Saturday June 20, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m., Mountain Time