Elke's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Elke here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Sabine & Andreas, I just learned of your mother’s passing. As you both know, she was / us an incredible woman. I so enjoyed her. Bless you & yours.
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Terri Dotson
December 11th, 2024 at 4:32pm
We would like to send our condolences to Andreas, Sabine, Cheryl, and the entire Barthel family. I worked with Elke for a number of years and there was never a dull moment. She will be greatly missed.
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Mario & JoAnn Hickman
November 26th, 2024 at 1:17pm
To my cousins Bini and Andreas: I have such fond memories of Sunday afternoons in South Haven with our families!
I always thought your mom was totally glamorous, and I loved listening to her chatting with the "grown ups" in her German accent! Praying peace and comfort for you both, and for your sweet families.
Sent with love,
from Annette
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Annette Barthel Merchant
November 24th, 2024 at 4:47pm
Dear Tante Elke, I still can't believe that you are no longer with us. It will feel strange to fly to America in the future but not be able to visit you properly. However, I know that you are now in a beautiful place with all our loved ones. You were the first of the Pfeiffer's in the US and you brought German charm to South Haven. You have a wonderful family and I am incredibly grateful that you always welcomed me with open arms. I will always remember our duck feeding together, many rounds of Elfer raus, the shopping trips, golden Girls nights and also our excursions (Orlando, Mackinac Island, ...). I look at the trees and the clouds more and more often now and think of you. I will miss you very much! My heartfelt condolences to the whole family.
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Lara Pfeiffer
November 20th, 2024 at 3:38pm
So sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for the family.
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Rose Cisco Morrison
November 16th, 2024 at 1:33am
Liebe Bini und lieber Andreas, wir möchten euch und euren Familien auf diesem Wege unser allerherzlichstes Beileid zum Tod eurer geliebten Mam und Oma aussprechen.
In dieser schweren Zeit wünschen wir euch viel Kraft. Es ist unfassbar für uns, dass Elke "nicht mehr da ist". In Gedanken sind wir bei euch.
Fühlt euch herzlich umarmt von Horst und Nicole (Hanne bekommt es nicht mehr mit, die Demenz ist inzwischen sehr weit fortgeschritten).
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Horst und Nicole
November 15th, 2024 at 3:49pm
Sabine and Andreas, I am sad to hear about Ekles passing. Your mom and dad were a dear part of our lives over the years. Keep memories and thoughts of them and they will live forever in your hearts.
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Georgia Yurkinas
November 14th, 2024 at 8:05am
35 year's ago, when I moved to Grand Rapids from Darmstadt Elke became the Grand mom of my daughter Katharina in absence of my Mother Melanie in Germany who knew all of Elkes Family back in Germany. At that time a long lasting and still continuing friendship developed between our families.
As such, Elkes passing is also a great loss to my family.
May Elke rest in peace and sit on a nice cloud with her husband Butch who will likewise not be forgotten.
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Wolfgang Grein
November 14th, 2024 at 4:13am
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Butch was my high-school classmate and we lived across the street from Butch and Elke in the park for several years when we were all newly weds. Elke always greeted me with a hug and a smile eveyy time we would cross paths. She will be dearly missed by friends and family. RIP dear lady
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Dorothy Cutshaw
November 13th, 2024 at 4:36pm
Sabina and Andreaus, our Prayers and thoughts go out to you and your families. Your Mom and Dad were a big part of our lives growing up in South Haven.
Ed and Wendy Raciborski
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Ed and Wendy Raciborski
November 13th, 2024 at 12:46pm
