Elsie Rodriguez

Las Vegas, Nev.

Daughter of John and Barbara Weigel, Elsie Weigel Rodriguez, cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and great‒grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was 89 years old.

Born on May 2, 1935, on her family’s farm in Orrin, North Dakota, Elsie was the eldest of seventeen children. From an early age she embodied the warmth, perseverance, and sense of responsibility that would guide her through a life filled with love and celebration.

Elsie’s first marriage to Ed Zerr brought three children into the world: Kelan James Zerr (deceased), Kermit Joel Zerr (wife, Lisa), and Karen Jody Vassar (husband, Robert). She later married Ronald Markee, and in her later years found joy and companionship with Rod Rodriguez.

In 1965, Elsie and her family relocated to Eugene, Oregon, where she would build a home and a community that felt like an extension of her large North Dakota family. For 55 years, she delighted in the simple magic of life–transforming her home with festive décor for every holiday, big or small, and making each season feel special for all who visited. She was also a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eugene for many years, where her faith and fellowship enriched both her life and those of her church family.

A passionate ballroom dancer, Elsie studied and competed locally, gracing the dance floor with poise and joy. Her creativity, generous spirit, and unwavering love for family defined her every day.

Elsie is survived by twelve siblings–Jerome, Stella, Dennis, Diana, Norman, Geraldine, Roger, Karen, Sandra, Lillian, Cindy, and Stanley–as well as her children, Kermit and Karen; her beloved grandchildren Karissa Carr, Joel Zerr, Geoffrey Oslund, Alisha Alexander, Rachel Gaisford, and Jaquelyn Hall; and ten adoring great‒grandchildren.

Her legacy of resilience, joy, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever celebrated in our hearts.

Visitation: Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home in Minot, North Dakota.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot, with lunch/fellowship to follow.

Interment will take place after the meal at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 27, 2025.