Elsa Joan "Elsie" Wiemerslage

Elsa Joan "Elsie" Wiemerslage, 16, of Waterloo, IL, passed away on April 15, 2026, at 2:45 p.m. at home, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and her beloved pets. She was born February 8, 2010, in Maryville, IL.

Elsie packed more love and life into 16 years than most people do in a lifetime. She fiercely loved her family—her dad, Kevin; her mom, Adrienne; and her siblings, Claire (12) and Eli (10). She delighted in keeping her dad on his toes, having him wrapped around her finger, and cherished shopping trips to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Target with her mom, who could never say no to her. Elsie was also her siblings’ biggest fan, proudly cheering them on in hockey, soccer, volleyball, and swim.

Nothing made Elsie smile more than a first-class ticket or a family road trip, as she eagerly worked through her bucket list with wonder and determination. Whether she was shopping in Chicago, watching the sunset over the ocean in Hawaii with her toes in the sand, enjoying a Broadway show in New York, swimming with dolphins in Florida, or traveling to Nashville and Kansas City to see her favorite artist, Taylor Swift, Elsie embraced every experience fully. Her passion for making memories gave her more life in 16 years than many experience in a lifetime.

At just 16, Elsie possessed a soul far wiser than her years. She was a rare blend of adventurer and homebody. While she dreamed of traveling the world, she also found deep peace in the simple rhythms of home. After planning and overseeing a laundry room makeover, Elsie took charge of the washer and dryer, skillfully using her folding board to keep the family’s laundry clean and neatly organized. She had a deep love for reading and could often be found curled up on her favorite spot on the couch with a blanket, her Kindle, and her cherished dog, Winnie.

Elsie will be remembered for her strength throughout her journey—she never gave up, even in the face of the most difficult news. She was always ready to fight. Through it all, she remained a ray of sunshine, greeting everyone with a smile and genuine joy. Whether hosting makeovers, having tea parties, or simply sitting together watching a Halloween movie, Elsie radiated warmth, cheer, and love.

In addition to her beloved parents and siblings, Elsie is survived by her pets Winnie, Bella, Dot, and Boo. She is also survived by her grandparents, Victoria and Bill Norbury of Collinsville, Illinois, and Les and Susan Wiemerslage of Fairview Heights, Illinois, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
Helping Strays of Monroe County, Kellsie's Hope Foundation, or House of Neighborly Services

Visitation:
3 PM to 8 PM Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

Private Funeral Service:
Friday, April 24, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
Interment will follow at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo, IL

Celebration of Life:
4 PM to 8 PM Friday, April 24, 2026 at Salt & Honey in Waterloo, IL
 All who knew and loved Elsie are welcome to attend. Additional parking is available at the Reliable Sanitation parking lot if the Salt and Honey lot is full. Please bring your favorite picture of Elsie to add to a mural. Come ready to sign a rock or make a bracelet to honor our sweet girl.