Elsie M. Gonsholt

Elsie Marie Gonsholt passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, at the age of 94, after a long and fulfilling life. She is survived by her sons, Stewart Paap and Jeff Paap (Amy), and her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Stewart is the proud father of four children: Jack, Michael, Patrick and Sheila, who has two children of her own, Luke and Logan. Stewart’s wife, Kathy (Gillam), preceded him in death. Jeff and Amy have one son, Ryan. Elsie is also predeceased by her youngest son, Chris (Nancy), and their two children, Alex and Austin.

Elsie was born into a close-knit family in Kimball, Nebraska, as one of four children to Neils Ejnar Christensen and Laura Timm. She was preceded in death by her three brothers: Bud, Bob and Arnie. The family operated the Kimball Bakery, where Elsie learned the value of hard work, a principle she carried throughout her life.

After graduating from Kimball High School, Elsie attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she earned her Registered Nurse (RN) degree. During this time, she met and married Jack Paap (deceased). Their life together began with his medical school graduation and the birth of their first child, followed by a move to Tacoma, Washington, for his service in the U. S. Air Force. There, they welcomed their second child before relocating to Phoenix, Arizona, and eventually settling in Colorado Springs in 1959, where Elsie would reside for the rest of her life. Elsie was also previously married to Leo Ververs (deceased) and Olav Gonsholt (deceased).

Elsie was a devoted mother who proudly saw all three of her sons graduate from Wasson high School and The University of Colorado. She wholeheartedly supported her family’s pursuits, including competitive swimming, Boy Scouts, and outdoor adventures such as fishing trips and skiing. Her dedication extended to her husbands’ passions and professional endeavors, including the Pikes Peak YMCA, the Colorado Springs Swim Team, the Pikes Peak Range Riders, the El Paso County Medical Society, and the U. S. Olympic Training Center.

Travel was one of Elsie’s great joys. She explored destinations across Europe, Hawaii, Japan, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, embracing the world’s beauty and cultures with enthusiasm.

Elsie’s legacy of kindness, resilience, and love for her family will be cherished by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 219 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pikes Peak Hospice in her memory.