Elsie E. Lekander, 90, passed away at Augustine Mercy Health Care, Moose Lake. Our angel on earth, quietly gained her wings on August 7, 2011 with her 2 daughters holding her hands, reminding her how much she is loved and that her family will be lost without her but we would be alright. Elsie was born May 23, 1921 in Kimball to John and Elizabeth (Kaitala) Branson. Elsie was united in marriage to Clifford Lekander on December 24, 1938, in Kingston. Her main goal in life was caring for her family. She taught us so much about love and family and helping the less fortunate. Elsie worked at Arts Café when it was known as Dix Café. She also worked at Diamond Match and then as a home health aid. She has read her bible through numerous times and prayed each night. She loved flowers, as her small yard proved.

Elsie is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford; son, Randy; daughter, Ann; grandson, Cory; 2 sisters; 8 brothers.

Elsie is survived by 2 daughters, Jean Saylor of Sturgeon Lake and Lucia LeDoux of Carlton; 5 sons, Stanford, Jimmy, Clayton (Lynette), Cliffton (Dorette) all of Barnum and Stuart Lekander of Great Falls, MT; 25 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; sister, Irene (Bob) Myers of Dassel; sister-in-law, Dorothy Branson of Orono; special daughter, Dianne.

A gathering of family and friends was held on Friday, August 12, from 10 AM until the 11 AM Memorial Service in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. Inurnment was in Mount Salem Cemetery, Mahtowa. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.