Ermalinda Elfering, age 94, of Farmington, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, died on Sunday, July 5, 2015, at The Lodge on Natchez in Elko, MN, under care of Fairview Hospice.

Ermalinda Marie Elfering was born June 6, 1921, to the late Alex and Mary (Bonemeyer) Marthaler in Meire Grove, Stearns County, MN. When Ermalinda was two years old her family moved to a farm in LaGarde Twp, Mahnomen County, MN. She grew up on the family farm and attended the Ahmann School. Ermalinda was united in marriage with Lawrence John Elfering October 15, 1940, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN, where they farmed and raised a family of twelve children.

Ermalinda was a hard worker who kept a large garden, canning much of the produce for winter use and also selling vegetables. She also had a large flock of chickens, which provided many Sunday dinners for the family. She sold chickens in the fall of the year. She purchased a loom and wove rugs for selling. Ermalinda was a very creative woman who was able to create almost anything into art form. She enjoyed her beloved farm, spending time with her family, and her arts and crafts. She always said; "She had the best family in the world".

Ermalinda was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, and Garden Club in Mahnomen, MN, and St. Michael's Catholic Church, and the Art Community in Farmington, MN.

Survivors include her children: Lawrence Elfering Jr. of Farmington, MN, Robert (Nancy) Elfering of Lakeville, MN, Marilyn (Ron) Gadzinski of Manitowoc, WI, Sandra Kaster of Mahnomen, MN, Richard (Denise) Elfering of Two Rivers, WI, Terrance (Pam) Elfering of Eden Prairie, MN, Dianne (Gene) Charpentier of Dunn Center, ND, Karen (Jack) Elfering of Smith, NV, Darcy (Steve) Hennes of Burnsville, MN, Randall (Vickie) Elfering, of Farmington, MN, Cynthia (Kevin) Maloney of Detroit Lakes, MN, and one son-in-law, Robert Neuman of Wheaton, MN; 37 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Ermalinda was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; daughter, Donna Neuman; daughters-in-law, Pat Elfering, and Sarah Elfering; grandchildren: Lori Lynn Dellow,Lee Elfering, Robbie Elfering, and Steven Elfering; a great granddaughter, Sarah Dellow; her parents; and parents-in-law; Herman and Elizabeth (Rolfes) Elfering.

She was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters: Elmer Marthaler, Clarence Marthaler, Dorothy Uhilir, Bernard (Marge) Marthaler, Helen (Leo) Newman, Ralph Marthaler, and Angeline (Eugene) Fjield; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Regina (Arthur) Wagner, Ellenora (William) Jaeger, Gilbert (Ester) Elfering, Loretta (Medard) Guggenberger, Joseph Elfering, Sylvester Elfering, Edmund Elfering, and Alma Elfering.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2015, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Farmington, MN. Visitation was one hour prior to the service.

A Memorial Mass was held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN, with a rosary at 12:30 p.m. Inurnment followed at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.