Elsie Rose Klemm Mulligan

Elsie Rose Klemm Mulligan passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona, surrounded by her loving children. Elsie grew up on a South Dakota farm, where she learned the value of hard work, adaption, and resourcefulness. She became adept at driving farm equipment and understood the practicalities of farm life, including dealing with cold weather, snow, and working long days. These early lessons shaped her character and created a strong work ethic that she later passed on to her children.

Elsie was a planner, so much so that in 2012 she pre-wrote her own obituary, which is presented here (followed by family memories):

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By Elsie Mulligan – April 12, 2012

Elsie Rose Klemm Mulligan was born April 24, 1928 on a farm near Lane, S.D.

She went home to be with the Lord on __________.

She attended Lane Consolidated School grades 1 – 12.

She went to business school in Omaha, NE, then worked at the Union Pacific Railroad Headquarters in Omaha for 11 years.

She met her husband James Robert (Bob) Mulligan during that time and were married July 16, 1955.

They moved from Omaha to Phoenix in June 1959 where she worked part time selling Avon products, doing Market Research work, and volunteer work. Bob passed away in July 2004.

Their children are Timothy (Deanna) of Pinetop, AZ, Gerry of Show Low, AZ, Mark (Toni) of Tempe, and Joan of Peoria, AZ.

Grandchildren are Lauren Stokes, Bailie Mulligan, Collin Mulligan, Tara Mulligan, Tyler Zehrung, and Ashley Zehrung.

Great Grandchildren are Liam Stokes, Maevah Stokes, Kieren Stokes

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She taught her children the value of manners, the enjoyment of reading, the wisdom of saving, and the pricelessness of God’s Word. She regularly shared religious tracts with her children throughout their adult lives to lead them to God during life’s challenges. A devoted mother, Elsie taught her children to be purposeful in their work and approach life with diligence and determination. Her unconditional love for them was a constant source of strength and comfort. Elsie loved visits and sleep-overs by her grandchildren. She would drop what she was doing and prioritize spending time with them, baking cookies, making edible play dough, and taking them to her community pool in Warner Ranch.

She had a deep appreciation for nature and found joy in gardening. She spent many hours tending to her plants in her garden, finding peace and fulfillment in their care. She also cherished moments of celebration with friends, often dressing up for holiday gatherings with her In-Joy church group and her neighborhood friends, which brought companionship and laughter into her life.

Elsie loved taking pictures of her family. She eagerly assumed the role of family photographer, developing many copies to give to her family, preserving our beautiful memories of birthdays and holidays through her eyes.

She loved cats. As a girl on the farm, cold winter mornings would find her milking cows. Her cat Delphy would keep her warm by draping its warm furry body across the back of Elsie’s neck from shoulder to shoulder. There were often cats at her Phoenix home and she was particularly fond of Siamese.

To her children, she was more than a mother; she was a trusted, loving friend from youth throughout adulthood. She was a great listener who offered patient understanding and empathy without judgment. She earnestly wanted her children to be happy and did whatever she could to help them with life’s challenges.

Elsie's legacy is one of resilience, love, wisdom and grace. One grandchild said in remembrance, “I never heard her say anything bad about anyone.” Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and were touched by her kindness and quiet strength.

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