Elsie Burgraff

  Elsie Burgraff, who was born May 27, 1918 on the Pole Road to Lars and Ellen (Hanson) Tobiassen, passed away on Jan. 12, 2018.
  She was the last remaining classmate of the Meridian High School class of 1936. She loved the many years she spent at the Registrar’s Office at Western Washington University. Elsie spoke Norwegian at home with her family until she was in the first grade and she was very proud of her heritage. An experienced traveler, Elsie made many trips to Michigan to visit family, as well as visiting every other state in the U.S. She also had the honor of traveling to her father’s homeland, Norway.
  Elsie was very musically talented, playing the violin in high school as well as the organ and piano throughout her life. Other beloved pastimes were clam digging, hunting and fishing at the cabin on Toroda Creek.
  She was preceded in death by her parents, Lars and Ellen Tobiassen; her husband, Marion Burgraff, whom she married on Jan. 13, 1937; sisters Nellie Prouty and Hilda Ursin; brother Toby Tobiassen; son Marvin Burgraff; and son-in-law Vernon Annette.
  She is survived by her children: Diane Annette, Lorraine (Dennis) Sorenson and daughter-in-law RaeLynn Burgraff; grandchildren Kat McAllister, Tami Peake, Marion (Challane) Burgraff, Calvin Burgraff, Anthony Burgraff, Dana (Randy) Simrell, Debi Simpson, Colleen (Andy) Rosas, Lyle Sorenson, Marcia Mallahan, Dale Annette and Darryl (Tammy) Annette; 19 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
  A very heartfelt thank-you is extended to all the staff at Silverado for their loving care of Elsie. They truly enriched her life during her time there, and for that we are so thankful.
  A celebration of Elsie’s life will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in Moles Farewell Tributes, 2465 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham.
  Please share your memories of Elsie at www.molesfarewelltributes.com.