Elsa was born the daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina Behrens Schwerin on March 6, 1916, in Sumner, Iowa. She graduated from Sumner High School with the class of 1934. Elsa was united in marriage to Earl Sullivan on September 10, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa. She was employed at John Deere and then at the University of Northern Iowa. Elsa was a member of the St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and looked forward to attending their sports activities. Her enjoyments included fishing, gardening, traveling, playing cards with her friends and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Elsa is survived by her sons, Michael (Georgia) Sullivan of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Patrick (Rosemary) Sullivan of Victor; 5 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Earl in 2003; 5 brothers; and 4 sisters. Memorials may be directed to the Elsa L. Sullivan Memorial Fund and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO BOX 385, Victor, IA 52347.