Geraldine Elshaug

Geraldine Elshaug, 91, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.

Geri was born in Fergus Falls to George O. and Flora M. (Jacobson) Berger. During her childhood, she attended elementary school in Park River, ND, and later attended Fergus Falls High School.

On March 25, 1953, Geri M. Berger married Carroll W. Elshaug in Webster, SD. They shared 53 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith and family raising five children in their humble home at 912 E. Mt. Faith. It wasn't big, but somehow there was always room for one more. Geri's love extended well beyond her own children. Over the years, she cared for many neighborhood children and several of her grandchildren, making her home a welcoming place for family and friends alike.

Geri loved Jesus! Her faith wasn't something she simply talked about; It was something she lived. She and Carroll raised their children to love the Lord, and she faithfully served at Abundant Life Assembly of God for many years. Whether teaching Sunday School, baking what seemed like endless batches of chocolate chip cookies, or quietly cleaning the church building alongside Carroll, Geri found joy in serving others. After Carroll's passing, she continued caring for the church building for many more years.

She had a wonderful spirit of adventure. She and Carroll traveled through many states, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Before a road trip, Geri would pack a cooler with everything needed for meals along the way and never forgot a tablecloth. At a roadside stop, she could transform the open trunk of their car into a dining room table, spreading out the tablecloth and serving a meal. Geri excelled at making an ordinary moment special.

Geri loved playing Scrabble-and she knew how to win. She mastered the art of lovingly teasing her friends and family. Her quick wit and sassy sense of humor could catch you by surprise, often followed by a wink and a smile.

She faced life's difficulties with resilience, choosing gratitude over complaining. Even in life's toughest moments, she maintained a positive disposition. She lived with the conviction that the joy of the Lord was her strength. She showed us that generosity depended less on what you possessed and more on what you were willing to give away.

Those who have gone before: Husband, Carroll W. Elshaug; parents, George and Flora Berger; brothers, Vernon and Harley Berger; sisters, Ethelyn Duckwitz and Clarice Picco; granddaughter, Naomi Knoles; and great-granddaughter, Anna Knoles.

Those who mourn her loss and celebrate her life: Children, Doris (John) Knoles of Sun City West, AZ; Sandra (Gary) Cordie, Duane Elshaug, and Shari Centers of Fergus Falls; and David (Kari) Elshaug of South Jordan, UT. Her grandchildren,

Mark (Shari) Knoles, Jeremy and Jamie Elshaug, Kayla (Wendy) Welz, Michelle Pfaff, Jason (Jennifer) Hamilton, and Katerina, Amelia, and Eleanor Elshaug; great-grandchildren, Mark Dormanen, Alexandra and Emmett Hamilton, Destiny and Serenity Elshaug, and Kaylyn and Lilian Knoles.

Service: 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 19, 2026 at Abundant Life Assembly of God Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Duane Smith

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com