Ella “Elaine” Gommels
Saturday, May 18, 1929
Date of Death:
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Age:
92 years old
Saturday, May 18, 1929
Date of Death:
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Age:
92 years old
Saturday, May 18, 1929
Date of Death:
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Age:
92 years old
Ella “Elaine” Gommels
Ella Elaine Gommels, 92, died February 20, 2022 in Chatfield, MN.
She was born on May 18, 1929 in Viola Township, MN. Her parents were Fred and Murva Graskamp. She was the second of two sisters, Marilyn the youngest, and Esther (deceased) the eldest. They grew up on a farm east of Eyota.
Elaine graduated from Eyota High School and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in elementary education from Winona State University. Her early years of teaching were in one room school houses in the Eyota area and then eventually in the Rochester school district. Following her retirement from RPS, Elaine continued her teaching skills in the Sunday school program at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, volunteering at her grandchildren’s schools. She also volunteered for many years as a counselor at New Life Family Services.
On August 20, 1951, Ella Elaine Graskamp married Fredrick J. Gommels (deceased). They resided primarily in the Rochester area.
Elaine was a devout Christian and active member of Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church. She lived out her faith by her unending examples of love for her family, church, and friends. She was a great listener, giver, mother, and grandmother. Anyone who met her was touched by her kindness and care for others. She was highly respected and loved by many.
Elaine is survived by her sister, Marilyn; three children, Fred (Myrna), Ruthie, and Tom (Candace); grandchildren, Joshua, Jared, Brock (Amber), Marshall (Audrey), Brittany (Ben), Sophia, Isaac, and Ethan; great grandchildren, Caleb, Faith, Lexi, Ellie, Izzy, Brennan, Brielle, and Barrett; and great great grandchild, Ava Lynn.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, 2810 40th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.
Memorials are preferred to Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church or New Life Family Services.
Condolences
The family of Ella “Elaine” Gommels has received the following condolences.
I was a student teacher of Mrs. Gommels in 1986-87. I learned incredible lessons from her as she modeled for me how to teach first grade. We kept in touch through the years via Christmas cards. I will remember her for her kindness, genuine care and her steadfast faith. Elaine was a very special lady. My condolences to her family.
Fred, Ruth, and Tom
I would have liked to attend your mom’s funeral. I live too far away and the news came late, otherwise I would have been there.
Growing up on Deerwood Lane, I felt I had a handful of moms. Whenever I had a small bike accident or some type of injury, I just went to the nearest house crying looking for a little sympathy and hopefully a band-aid. There was always a mom nearby. Your mom was always my first choice. She had such a softness to her. It’s one of my fondest memories of my childhood.
Later, after your family moved, I ran into your mom around town. She was always happy to see me and I could just feel the love oozing out of her. She always wanted to pray for my family no matter what.
You three were fortunate to have a mom with such deep convictions. She was the real deal.
Godspeed. May she RIP
Warmly,
Steve Elwood
Dearest Ruth, my love, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your entire family at this time.
Mrs. Gommels was my first grade teacher at Sunset Terrace Elementary school in Rochester, MN. She was a wonderful teacher; so kind and patient and really knew how to handle unruly first graders. I still have so many memories of things that happened in her classroom. And even though it was over 55 years ago, I still remember her fondly. I was lucky to have a teacher as good as her at such a formative time in life. She certainly instilled in me a love of reading; a love I still have to this day. And being able to read and understand things has served me well in my career as a scientist and in my life. Thanks so much Mrs. Gommels!
My condolences to her family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine was an example of Christ in her whole life. We were honored to know and work with her at Faith Christian School and church. Her family exemplified her Christian values. Over the years children were blessed with her love and wisdom. God has welcomed another one of His saints home.
Fred, I was saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. In my prayers tonight I will thank her for the gift of you. Thinking of you and your family.
Jay Martini
While we only knew Elaine for this past year, she made an indelible on our hearts. We certainly grieve with the family and feel the loss of her presence in our lives, however, we do not grieve for Elaine. She is with her Savior, Jesus. She is home, and we will see her again in that sweet by and by. We pray God's peace for the family as they mourn, and look forward to the time when the current sadness gives way to sweet memories.
If there are teachers in heaven, Elaine will be the best. I didn't have her as a teacher, but my sisters did at District 93, Stone School. Hugs and blessings to the family.
We are so sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. She was a wonderful person and family member. May love & peace help with your grief journey.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful mother and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fred so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Thoughts and prayers to all of your family.
Fred so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Thoughts and prayers to all of your family.
Ruthie and family~
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time in the lost of your wonderful Mother and Grandmother. All our love.
Dawn and Mike