Elsa Stoof Berthold

Our beautiful angel on earth, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, Elsa Stoof Berthold passed away at her home on June 27, 2023.

Elsa was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 30, 1929, to Reinhold and Ella Hirte Stoof while her father, Reinhold, was serving as the first mission president of the South American Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She would live in Argentina the first six years of her life along with her older siblings, Melvin and Delia, while subsequently welcoming younger siblings, Edla, Maria, and Roni as they arrived. The Stoofs returned to Salt Lake City in October of 1935, where Elsa's brother Norman would be born. Then, tragically, Ella passed way, leaving seven children motherless. Saddened and stricken by the death of her beloved mother at the age of seven, Elsa's loving heart found peace and joy as she welcomed her new mother Maria Unterspann, just before her 8th birthday. After which her youngest sister, Irene, would be born.

Growing up in a family of eight children with an age span of 12 years had its challenges, and Elsa took on the angelic responsibility as the family peacemaker. She honored the name she was blessed with, which means joyful noble, pledged to God; a beautiful princess and noble woman in Wagner’s opera "Lohengrin." Through Elsa's childhood and teenage years, she grew in faith, wisdom, artistic talents and beauty. She was not only beautiful to behold, but also blessed with a heart and mind that were beautiful and pure. In the late 1940’s, Elsa was chosen as a contestant in the Miss Sugarhouse pageant. She also represented her church's stake in a regional dance competition.

Elsa excelled at school and in her work, becoming a skilled employee at Mountain Bell Telephone Company Accounting Offices. In about her 54th year, she went back to work for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, a great blessing for the family at the time, and continued working there for around 20 years as a valued employee until her retirement. In her youth, she worked as a gifted decorator and designer of birthday and wedding cakes at Seagull Baking Company, owned by the Berthold family, where she met and eventually married Eberhard Berthold in the Salt Lake Temple, but would later divorce in 1983.

In 1988-89, when one of her sons worked for the Utah Jazz as a student intern, Elsa was able to attend most of the 41 home games. Not being a sports fan previously, she soon became a die-hard one for the Jazz, especially of Karl Malone and John Stockton, watching every game she could on TV. The Jazz became a regular topic of conversation until the final weeks of her life.

Elsa's mind was keen, and she remembered many things that even her children couldn't. She was interested in the latest news and in the current political landscape, often sharing her insights. She loved the beauties of nature, especially during springtime, and loved a gentle rain. Her favorite treats were marzipan and donuts. Elsa had the most beautiful singing voice, singing to her children as they grew up—and continued to sing "Happy Birthday" over the phone to them through the years.

Christmases were always special. Elsa would decorate the house with beautiful lights and, even though funds were low, her children would never know it, because she somehow made it all magical. Leading up to Christmas, she would walk ten minutes to the bus stop, even on snowy evenings, and travel downtown to shop for gifts. We'd always be excited to see her return, often toting store bags filled with hidden treasures.

Elsa was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, a true and humble follower of her beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved teaching younger children in primary, serving in the library for many years, and overcame initial fears to find strength and fulfillment as a Relief Society instructor.

Elsa found great joy in being a devoted mom to her precious children. She was thrilled with their choices of wonderful eternal companions, and the sweet grandchildren and great grandchildren that followed, continually blessing her life abundantly.

Her pure love, forgiving heart, and valiant Christ-like spirit helped her to conquer the many difficulties, trials, and adversities that beset her, as she righteously endured to the end.

Elsa is survived by her children, Anina Berthold, Wendy Furse (Roger with Clint, Allison, Steven, Lindsie and Brooklyn), Brian Berthold (Cyndi with Jackson and Sierra), Daniel Berthold (Heather with Jonah, Kirsten and Ella Mae), David Berthold, and Julie Stevens (John with Emily and Matthew), 10 great grandchildren, and sisters, Maria Scarlet and Irene Pearmain, along with many nieces and nephews who cherished her.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 11, 11:00 a.m. in the Parleys 3rd ward at 2615 E. Stringham Ave, Salt Lake City. There will be a viewing at the same location on Monday, July 10, 6:00–8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, July 11, 9:30–10:30 a.m. Elsa will be interred at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N St E, Salt Lake City, UT 84103.

For those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join via Zoom athttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85069405383. A free Zoom account is required and you will need to sign in to join the meeting.