Elvira Almira Dewandeler, age 94 of Park Rapids, MN was peacefully promoted into Glory on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Diamond Willow Assisted Care Center in Park Rapids with her loved ones at her side.

      Elvira was born on May 5, 1915 in Fergus Falls, MN to Herman and Myrtle (Hinton) Jordan. She had two older brothers who as toddlers could not pronounce her name so she became “Sis” to all. As a child she moved with her family to the Ponsford, MN area where she attended country school and went on to attend high school in Park Rapids where she graduated with the Class of 1934. Sis was united in marriage to Frank DeWandeler on June 10, 1935. This union was blessed with six children: Janet, Lewis, Connie, Cyndy, Joe, and Ruth. The young couple engaged in farming on the Ponsford Prairie where Sis kept busy making a loving home for her family, helping on the farm, raising a big garden, actively participating in church activities, a local women’s group and also helping lead the local 4-H club. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious home cooking. Later, she began working in restaurants in Park Rapids and then went to work at 3M’s Wonowok Resort Center. The family grew with in-laws and grandchildren and Sis loved to prepare big family dinners. In 1973, they sold the farm and moved into Park Rapids. Her sister, Claire came to live with them. When Frank died in 1981, the two sisters became even closer. They enjoyed walking all over town and going to garage sales. In her 70’s Sis sold her home and they both moved into separate apartments; but, they continued to spend much of their time together. After falling, Sis moved into Diamond Willow Assisted Living. 

            She will be lovingly remembered by her six children: Janet (Dennis) Nickerson, Lewis (Bette) DeWandeler, Connie (Martin) Nevala, Cyndy (Jerry) Aho, Joe (Karen) DeWandeler and Ruth Pachel; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; ; brother, Ben Jordan and a sister-in-law, Lois Jordan both of Springfield, Oregon and a sister-in-law, Dora DeWandeler; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

            Elvira was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers: Chet and Ed and 3 sisters: Laura, Elsie and Claire.

            Funeral services will be set 1:00 PM Friday, January 29, 2010 at the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Marty Giese officiating. The soloists will be: Granddaughter, Brenda Deutschmann and family friend, Gail Haller. The organist will be Jane Wolff. Casketbearers: Sam DeWandeler, Rich DeWandeler, Warren Nickerson, Arlan Nickerson, Andy Aho, Jeremy Aho, Bill DeWandeler and Jordan Pachel. Honorary Casketbearers: Tami DeWandeler, DeAnn Redfield, Brenda Deutschmann, Janeen Mitsch, Adam Aho, Jody DeWandeler, Angie DeWandeler, Cody DeWandeler, Amber Duke and Ashli Pachel. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids. . Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and again on Friday beginning one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, Minnesota.