Elsie Marie Jerdee Foerstner

Elsie Marie Jerdee Foerstner

Iowa City

Elsie Marie Jerdee Foerstner passed away on July 31,2025, at Oaknoll in Iowa City. She was 92 years old, but much younger in spirit.

Elsie was born in Decorah, Iowa to Dr. Ingebrect Jerdee and Hazel Frieden Jerdee. She spent her childhood in Clermont enjoying her friends, multiple dogs, playing music, and participating in school activities. Elsie attended the University of Iowa where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and became a registered nurse. She worked in the Labor & Delivery department of the University of Iowa Hospital until the birth of her first child.

Elsie was proud of her Norwegian heritage, traveling several times to the country and participating in the Norse Club. She enjoyed being involved in the Iowa City community. Elsie served as the University Club President, the President of the PEO Chapter E, on the Southwest Junior High and Iowa City High School PTAs and was a long-time member of the Alpha Chi Omega House Corporation Board. Elsie was an active volunteer for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for 25 years. She was an avid Hawkeye fan, and a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Elsie is survived by her children: Suzanne (Stephen) O’Malley and Craig (Rebecca) Foerstner; grandchildren: Kelley O’Malley, Matthew O’Malley, George “Colin” Foerstner, Cassandra Foerstner, Catelyn (Tyler) Gustafson, and Quinn (Izabel) Foerstner.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 8 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Iowa City. The family will greet guests at the church from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Hancher Auditorium or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.