Elizabeth Lursen, 95

Elizabeth Lursen, age 95, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, formerly of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of Joe and Elizabeth (Penning) Johnson on May 11, 1927, at their home in Dumont, Iowa.  Elizabeth graduated from Dumont High School.

In 1947, Elizabeth was united in marriage with Raymond Lursen at Raymond’s parents’ home.  After their marriage, the couple farmed north of Kesley, Iowa.  Elizabeth helped Raymond with the farm work and was a wonderful homemaker and mother.  After Raymond’s death, Elizabeth moved into Aplington.  In 2013, Elizabeth moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas.

Elizabeth was an active member of Kesley Presbyterian Church.  She later transferred her membership to First Reformed Church in Aplington.  Elizabeth enjoyed crocheting, square dancing with Raymond and playing cards with her friends.

On January 3, 2023, Elizabeth died at Bradford House in Bella Vista, Arkansas, of natural causes.  Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in 1985; her parents, Joe and Elizabeth Johnson; four sisters, Hanna Boelen, Harriet Hemmen, Georgette Struthoff and Doris Karsjens; and one brother, Joe Johnson, Jr. 

Liz is survived by one daughter Elaine Van Ellen of Bella Vista; one grandson, Eric (Bonnie) VanEllen; and two great-grandchildren, Brooke and Allison VanEllen.

Funeral Services were held 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the First Reformed Church in Aplington, with Rev. Mike Broost officiating. Organist Cami Haugstad accompanied the congregation in singing, “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace”, and “In The Garden”.  Burial was at the Bethel Reformed Church Cemetery in rural Aplington with, Brooke VanEllen, Allison VanEllen, Bonnie VanEllen, Grant Kampman, Stan Hewitt, and Bruce Mattingly serving as Casketbearers. 

A Visitation was held one hour before services at the church. Redman Funeral & Cremation Services, Aplington chapel was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com