Elza M. Wilson

Elza M. Wilson was born the 4th child to Walter and Mae Wilson, Elza spent his early years in Montrose, CO. Moving to Palisade at the age of 7, he spent his next years helping his father with carpentry and working in the peach orchards. They were poor but they were happy enjoying each other, Elz loved sports and was good at them. He took state championship in wrestling in his junior and senior high school years. He married Alice Neiswender in 1953, ending in divorce 35 years later. Three children were born to them: Keith in ‘55, Cindy in “57 and Rhonda in ‘61. Elza enjoyed working road construction but wanted something with more stability as he raised his family. He moved his family to Denver and began working for Farmland Industries as a driver. His life was again enriched by the addition of Keith’s marriage to Lee and her 2-year old daughter, Laurel in 1979. As he drove around the country he listened to the Bible on cassette 3 times. Elz gave his life to Jesus at his baptism in 1990 and he was filled with a new kind of joy.

In 1991 he married Marsha Ostermann and the family increased with the addition of Marsha’s 2 daughters, Carla 21, Shari 19, and Cindy’s newborn daughter, Melissa, followed by Justin born 17 months later. Carla married David Lehmpuhl in 1996 and Shari married Philip Rice in 1999. The family increased in 2000 when Luke Lehmpuhl was born, in 2003 with Ryan Lehmpuhl, in 2004 with Brady Rice and finally in 2005 with Caleb Rice.

After 29 years of driving for Farmland Industries with almost 3 million consecutive accident free miles, Elz traded his truck in for a motorhome and He and Marsha began to see America. He also began another new phase in life by building churches for an organization called Laborers for Christ. After building 14 churches in 14 years and visiting 49 states and 9 provinces in Canada, God directed them to settle into a house in Pueblo. They had prayed that God would direct them to a praying church that was centered on the Bible and had an outreach program. God answered their prayer and directed them to Pueblo First Church of the Nazarene.

God has blessed and prospered Elza all his life, even when he did not know his Lord. God had a purpose for him and as he looked back on his life, Elz could see God’s guiding and protection. Elz saw the miracles God has worked throughout his life and the joy filled life he is now enjoying in heaven with Jesus.

Elza was preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings, He is survived by his wife, Marsha, his brother Melford and his family, and all the above members of his family already mentioned.

The service will be held on Sat, August 16 th at Pueblo First Church of the Nazarene at 10:00 a.m. 84 Stanford Ave in Pueblo CO..

Online condolences at davismortuary.com