Elsie Delores Haima

Elsie Delores Haima, 81, of Randolph, peacefully passed away at home, holding the hands of her husband and children while they sang hymns.

Elsie was born on October 23, 1939, in Alto WI, a daughter of John and Christine (Smit) Talma. She married the love of her life, John L. Haima, on August 29, 1958. She knew he was the one on the day they met. She told friends “That’s the guy I’m going to marry.”

As a child she attended Brandon schools, where she played the clarinet, sang in the choir and acted in plays. After High School she attended Madison School of Cosmetology. She worked for a short time at Beauty Salons in Ripon and Randolph before opening her own shop in Green Lake. After several years of being a business owner she turned her focus to raising her 5 children. While raising her children she was active with Girl Scouts, Church Couples Club and Traveling. Some of her favorite trips were tropical destinations of St. Thomas, Bahamas, Florida, Arizona and several trips to Hawaii. She also enjoyed several trips to Holland and Canada where she still has relatives.

Elsie moved to Bettendorf, Iowa in 1970 where she was active in the Newcomers Club, bowling, crafts and cake decorating. She returned to Randolph in 1974 where she lived her remaining time. After her children were grown she held several positions nurturing and taking care of the elderly.

She had a wonderful laugh and was always joking around. You could pick out her laughter in a crowd. She enjoyed games and especially cards with friends and family. In her later years she took enjoyment from watching the family she created grow, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Elsie was a faithful member of Randolph First Reformed Church, where she was active in Couples Club, the Prayer Chain and started her love of camping and the outdoors with the Church camping trips to Tunnel Trails.

Elsie is survived by her husband of 63 years, John: her children, Stan (Ruth) Haima, Cyndee (Terry) NeSmith, Carrie (Mark) Lindell, Candee (Mark) Deichman and Cherie Nelson;14 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren; brother, Jim (Carol) Talma; sisters, Louise Taylor and Wilma Mitchell; sister-in-law, Ramona Haima (her partner in crime); brother-in-law, Ronald (Nancy) Haima; sisters-in-law, Jane (Reuben) Horton and Joyce (Steve) Greer, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She also holds a special place in her heart for her 2 AFS daughters, Pilar from Peru and Natasha from Belgium.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Erwin and Jennie (Smedema) Haima; infant sister, Helen Mae and brother-in-law, Earle Haima.

Service for Elsie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday October 11, 2021, at Randolph First Reformed Church, 406 S. High Street, Randolph with Pastor Luke Baehr officiating.

Visitation will be held on Monday at 9:30am at the church prior to the 11:00 a.m. service.