Loretta Frances Elfline, 87, of Hermann, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025 at StoneBridge Senior Living in Hermann.
Loretta was born in McKittrick on April 3, 1938, the daughter of the late Paul G. & Alberta L. (Hartman) Bruckerhoff.
She was united in marriage to Milferd R. "Jake" Elfline on April 14, 1956, at St. Joseph's Church in Rhineland. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage. Jake preceded her in death on February 23, 2018.
Loretta was a member of St. Paul's Church in Berger (Franklin County). She worked for American Recreation Products in New Haven.. She also ran a daycare in her home for many years, where she enjoyed taking care of the children she watched.
In her free time, she also enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, doing puzzles, playing cards and dancing.
Loretta is survived by her six children: a son, Milferd R. Elfline Jr. & wife Michelle of Hermann; a son, Donald J. Elfline of Hermann; a daughter, Lori A. Heichel & husband Steven of Overland Park, Kan.; a son, David W. Elfline & wife Jennifer of Hermann; a son, Robert D. Elfline & wife Jennifer of Rosebud; and a daughter, Vicki L. Held & husband Andrew of Independence; two sisters-in-law, Wanda Menke & Juanita Elfline; 14 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother, LeRoy Bruckerhoff; sister, Eleanora Ebker; granddaughter, Jill Elfline; and great-grandson, Elijah Garner.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at a later date at St. Paul's Church in Berger. Memorial donations may be given to the Hermann Area Crusade Against Cancer.
