Elsa Horn

Elsa Katherina Thohoff Horn was born on March 25, 1907 in LaHarpe, Kansas. She was the 5th child of Claus and Emma Thohoff. She grew up on farms in the Iola, Kansas area, graduating from a country school and, after working several years, graduated from Iola High School. She taught country school for two years. Later she moved to St. Joseph, Missouri where she worked as a seamstress in an overall factory. In 1935 she moved to Los Angeles, California to find better work. There she met and, on January 25, 1941, married John Marshall Horn. In October 1942 they had a daughter, Barbara Ann. They returned to the Iola area in 1944, but came back to LA in 1946. Elsa was an accomplished needlewoman and seamstress, making everything from wedding gowns to lingerie while maintaining a warm home life. She actively participated in PTA and other school activities. In 1966 Elsa and John returned to Kansas where they lived for the next 13 years. When in Kansas, she sewed at the Miller Dress Factory, participated in farm community craft and Bible study groups and the Carlyle Presbyterian Church. In 1977, John suffered a stroke. Elsa and John moved out to their daughter's home in Fremont, California. Elsa took care of John for 7½ years until he passed in 1985. She became an active member in White Cross at church, Bible Study Fellowship and Precept Bible Studies when attending Newark Community Church. In 2007, after her 100th birthday, Elsa moved to Aegis of Fremont. With their considerate care, she lived until June 13, 2015 after celebrating her 108th birthday. She is survived by her brother, George Thohoff of Iola, Kansas, her sister Dorothea Gard of Burbank, California, her daughter, Barbara Ann Horn of Fremont, California and many nieces and nephews who currently live throughout the US. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, Kansas. Burial will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Elsa would appreciate donations to your favorite charity in her name. Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com .