Elfriede M. Both

Elfriede M. Both

Born to eternal life on November 6th, 2023 at the age of 76 in Milwaukee, WI. A celebration of Elfie's life will be held at St. Francis Borgia-North Catholic Church in Cedarburg, on Monday, November 13th, 2023 at 12:00 PM. A visitation will take place at the church prior to the funeral service from 11:00-12:00. Father Chuck Hanel will be officiating the service. Burial to take place after the service at 1:15 pm at Immanuel Cemetery in Cedarburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association are appreciated.

Elfie was born on June 28th, 1947 in Germany. Being a brave and adventurous soul, she moved to the Milwaukee area in 1969 to work as a live-in nanny. She never intended to stay in America, not knowing anyone or having any family in the area. But as a social butterfly, she wouldn't be alone long and met many German Americans in the Milwaukee area. Elfie fell in love and married Karl Both in 1973. Their marriage was blessed with a son and a daughter, and Elfie became a stepmother to Karl's two sons.

Elfie loved baking and gardening. Everyone who knew Elfie enjoyed her delicious desserts. She was proud to have won a blue ribbon at the State Fair for her famous cheesecake. She worked for over 20 years in School Food Service, perfectly combining her loves of cooking and working with children. Although her immediate family was small, she always went big for holiday dinners. Elfie was also passionate about keeping her flower garden beautiful. She loved being surrounded by bright, colorful flowers.

Elfie found comfort in her Catholic faith and for many years volunteered her time to her local parishes, including Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Pewaukee, Schoenstatt in Waukesha, and St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Cedarburg. Elfie was also involved in many German-American clubs in the Milwaukee area. She sang with the Milwaukee Damenchor for decades. She was also involved with the United Donauschwaben of Milwaukee and Austrian-American Society of Milwaukee. She faithfully attended and volunteered at Germanfest in Milwaukee every year.

Elfie was outgoing, loved adventure and having fun. Elfie loved motorcycles and going for long, scenic rides with her beloved companion, Franz, and their friends. Her favorite travel destinations included Germany, Florida, Branson, the Dominican Republic, Door County, and a dream vacation in Hawaii. She was always ready for a party or a festival. She loved to laugh with family and friends.

Elfie is survived by her children, Paul Both and Christine (Bill) Olsen; Her stepsons, Robert Both and Kenneth Both; Her sisters, Hilde Gundi (Hansgeorg) Moczyk and Angelika (Ludwig) Singer. She is also survived by her beloved companion Franz Schmidt. Elfie is further survived by many adoring nieces and nephews in Germany. Elfie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Karl Both; her father, Paul Braun, her mother, Elizabeth Braun (nee Goetz); and older brother Reine Braun.