On July 11, 2024, God called one of His faithful servants home to Himself in Heaven when Elna Deloris Saalfeld left this life while living at Legacy Estates in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at Christ Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. William Voelker officiating.  Interment will be in the parish cemetery.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.  There will be a family prayer service on Wednesday at 10:15 AM at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Christ Lutheran Cornerstone Fellowship Hall Fund.

Elna was born March 19, 1931, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Otto and Esther (Rosche) Muth. She was baptized on April 19, 1931, and reaffirmed her Christian faith through confirmation on May 6, 1945, at Christ Lutheran Church in Columbus, Nebraska. Her confirmation verse was John 10:27-28. Elna attended Christ Lutheran School and graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus.

Elna married the love of her life, Theodore "Ted" A. Saalfeld on April 15, 1951, at Christ Lutheran Church in Columbus. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Elna loved the farm life, her flowers, and her garden. She was also very talented in sewing and made quilts for her loved ones.

Elna was devoted to her church and had been active in Bible Study, Ladies Aid, LWML, and Choir while a member of Christ Lutheran. She had been a member of the "Ladies Slipper" Extension Club for years.  After Ted's death in 1985, Elna moved off the farm and worked various jobs in Columbus.  In March of 1997, Elna moved to Fremont, Nebraska. During her 25 years living there she worked part-time at L&L Gifts, Krasne Furniture, and Murdochs Health Store.  Elna joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont where she was active in Bible study and women's circle.  After moving to Lincoln in April of 2022, she joined Christ Lutheran Church.

Elna is survived by:
Son: Larry (Vicki) Saalfeld of Tomball, TX
Grandson: David (Katherine) Saalfeld of Nassau Bay, TX
Great grandson: Jacob
Great granddaughter: Kaia
Granddaughter: Katherine (Chris) Stewart of Lufkin, TX
Great granddaughter: Olivia
Great grandson: Owen
Son: Kevin (Deb) Saalfeld of Columbus, NE
Grandson: Vince (Nicole) Saalfeld of Columbus, NE
Great granddaughter: Paisley
Great grandson: Jack Hebenstreit
Daughter: Karen (Steve) Parr of Lincoln, NE
Grandson: Andrew (Carrie) Parr of Lincoln, NE
Great grandsons: Hudson, Landon, & Grayson
Grandson: Brian Parr of Chicago, IL
Son: Scott (Robin) Saalfeld of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter: Abbi (Adam) Lindgren of Columbus, NE
Great grandsons: Nolan & Kade
Great granddaughter: Sadie Mae
Granddaughter: Whitney (Kyle) Brabec of Leigh, NE
Great granddaughters: Cambree, Weslie, & Bexlie
Granddaughter: Chelsea (Tyler) Oeltjen of Creston, NE
Great granddaughters: RyeLynn, Tilden, Chainey, & Steely Ann
Sister: Edith Ahrens of Columbus, NE
Brothers & Sisters-in-law: Dolores Sander, Hazel Saalfeld, & Arden & Nancy Saalfeld
Special Friend: Charles Graulich of Fremont, NE

Elna was preceded in death by:
Husband: Theodore A. Saalfeld
Great grandson: Holt Oeltjen (Chelsea & Tyler's little boy born at rest)
Parents: Otto & Esther (Rosche) Muth
Parents-in-law: Albert & Elsa (Lueschen) Saalfeld
Sister: Luetta Asche
Sister & Brothers-in-law: Lueva Sander, Merlin Asche, Carroll Ahrens, Richard Saalfeld, Harlan Sander, & Melvin Sander