Elsie M. (Rudowske) Strefling, of Niles

Published 1:45 pm Tuesday, May 31, 2016

July 7, 1924 — May 21, 2016

Elsie M. (Rudowske) Strefling, 91, of Niles, Michigan passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016, in Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Chapel, 8747 US-31, Berrien Springs, Michigan. A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at Rosehill Cemetery in Berrien Springs with Pastor Joe Liss officiating. Those wishing to share a memory of Elsie may do so online at www.heritage-chapel.com.

Elsie M. (Rudowske) Strefling

Elsie was born July 7, 1924, in Berrien Springs to Carl and Pauline (Schmaltz) Rudowske. She served as a Cadet Nurse during WWII attached to the Military. On May 30, 1948, she married Benjamin Strefling. Together they raised four children and were co-owners of Niles Oil Co. for many years.

Elsie was a health advocate all her life, traveling to Florida, walking and enjoying the great outdoors every chance she had. She was a God loving person and believed in managing her time wisely. In 2010 she became Miss Sr. Niles — a title she was very proud of.

Elise is survived by her four daughters Nancy Jansen of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brenda (Peter) Yancich of Berrien Center, Laura (Tom) Saye and Shelly (Mark) Wharton from Venice, Florida; grandchildren Jenna (Jason) Helling, Anna Yancich, Benjamin (Amanda) Jansen and Matthew Jansen; great-grandchildren Cambria Jansen and Benjamin Jansen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 59 years, Benjamin (2008) and 12 sisters and brothers.