Eloise Emily Zellmer

Eloise Emily (Pierson) Zellmer was born on January 6th, 1937 at home in rural Lewisville, Minnesota, to her loving parents, Nels and Anne (Sanders) Pierson. It was a beginning rooted in simplicity, faith, and family, the very things that would guide her throughout her life.

She was raised on a farm outside of Butterfield, Minnesota, where hard work was a given and close bonds were a blessing. Eloise shared a deep and lasting connection with her siblings—one that only grew stronger with time, carrying into adulthood as a steady source of joy and support. Her faith took root early, as she was baptized and later confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Butterfield. For her confirmation, she chose the verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Those words became more than a verse—they became a compass, quietly guiding her through life’s challenges and triumphs.

Eloise graduated from Butterfield High School in 1954 and continued her education at Mankato State University, pursuing Elementary Education.

At the Kato Ballroom, in a moment that would change everything, Leo Zellmer asked her to dance. That single dance became the beginning of a lifelong partnership built on love, faith, and shared purpose. Eloise Pierson and Leo Zellmer were married on June 21, 1958, at First Lutheran Church in Butterfield, surrounded by family and dear friends.

Together, they built a life on a farm in rural Waterville, Minnesota, where they raised their three children—Tammi, Randy, and Trudi. Eloise embraced farm life fully, taking charge of the farrowing house with dedication and care. Yet her life extended far beyond the farm. She poured her heart into her community, serving as a Sunday School teacher and devoted volunteer at St. Peter’s Bell Lutheran Church, and as a 4-H leader in Le Sueur County, shaping young lives with patience and wisdom.

Of all her roles, being a grandmother was her favorite. Her grandchildren were truly her pride and joy, and she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on—whether at a game, a program, or any milestone in between.

Eloise also held a special place in her heart for Duluth, Minnesota. The shores of Lake Superior, the crisp air, and the quiet beauty of the North Shore called her back time and again, becoming her favorite place to travel and reflect.

In time, she became “GiGi” to her great-grandchildren—a title she wore with unmistakable pride and joy, a reflection of the deep love that spanned generations.

In her final year, Eloise resided at Cokato Charitable Trust, where she embraced life with the same warmth and openness that defined her years. She found happiness in the simple pleasures—visits from farm animals, music groups, and the friendships formed over coffee time. One of her greatest comforts was seeing her daughter Tammi every day, a daily reminder of the love that surrounded her.

Eloise was a woman of quiet routines that spoke volumes: faithfully completing her daily devotions, carefully documenting her days on a calendar, and enjoying her favorite game shows with enthusiasm. These small, steady rhythms reflected a life lived with intention, gratitude, and faith.

Eloise’s life was not defined by grand gestures, but by the countless small ways she showed love—to her family, her friends, her faith, and her community. She lived her chosen verse, trusting in strength beyond her own, and leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion.

She passed away peacefully on a warm spring day, March 21, 2026 at Cokato Charitable Trust in Cokato, MN, surrounded by family. In her final days, she gave one last gift to those she loved—the opportunity to gather close, share memories, and say their goodbyes.

She is lovingly survived by her three children, Tammi (Duane) Dahlman of Cokato, Randy (Kay) Zellmer of Blooming Prairie, and Trudi (Kevin) Schaefer of Cleveland; seven grandchildren, Emily (Kirby) Graff, Marcus (Andrea) Zellmer, Eric (Jessica) Dahlman, Matthew Zellmer, Lucas (Hannah) Zellmer, Ryan (Kaitlyn) Schaefer, and Tyler Schaefer; eleven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruby Ekstrom and Vivian Blomgren; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Zellmer; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leo Zellmer; her parents, Nels and Anne Pierson; two brothers, Nels (Kathleen) Pierson and Leland (Marylin) Pierson; one sister, Beverly (Larry) Ahern; brothers-in-law Eldon Ekstrom, Clarence Blomgren, Gordon Zellmer, and Harold (Gladys) Zellmer; and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Bell Lutheran Church in Le Sueur County, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Eloise will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Her story continues in the lives she touched, the traditions she created, and the love she gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Peter's Bell Lutheran Church in rural Waterville.