Elsie Leerar

Elsie Leear, 82, of Britt, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at her rural Britt farm home.

Elsie, the daughter of Carl and Laura (Olson) Hampe was born July 1, 1921, on the family farm near Crystal Lake.  She was baptized in the Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church in rural Britt.  Elsie attended school in Britt and later was employed helping area farm families.

Elsie was united in marriage with Fred Leerar on April 11, 1942, in Bethany, Missouri.  In 1947, the couple moved to their farm southeast of Britt, where they raised their family.  Elsie continued to live on the farm until the time of her death.  She loved the farm and enjoyed caring for her cats and dog, Poppy.  She also enjoyed gardening and caring for her many flowers.

Elsie loved spending time with her family, and enjoyed making quilts, blankets and afghans for them.  She was an accomplished baker and made the best homemade bread and cinnamon rolls.  Elsie also enjoyed bowling and fishing.

She attended the First Lutheran Church in Britt and was a member of the VFW.

Elsie is survived by two daughters: Betty Bublitz of Marion and Patricia and her husband Perry Sutton of Waterloo; three sons: Dick Leerar and his wife, Judy, Robert Leerar and his wife, Barbara, and Craig Leerar and his wife, Marlene, all of Britt, 16 grandchildren: Brian, Randy, Nicole, Jennifer, Christopher, Ethan, Kristy, Kari, Stephanie, Bobby Jo, Angie, Joe, Becca, Nicholas, Michelle and Paul; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Hampe and his wife, Della of Britt; several nieces and nephews and her loving dog, Poppy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Freddie, two brothers: Don and Elmer Hampe and one sister, Marie Park.