Elise Hinders

Elise Marie Hinders, 20, passed away on August 25, 2024, but her spirit and the impact she made will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who knew her. A memorial service celebrating her life and the joy she brought to the world were held on Monday September 2, 2024 at Bethel Baptist Church in Newell, where her spirit and faith will be honored. Graveside services were held on Tuesday September 3, 2024 at Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center, Iowa.

Elise was born on March 25, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City to Chad and Allison Hinders. She joined her sister Taylen Ann and was followed by her sisters Kinzee Jo, Mylie Christine, and Brynlee Renee. She was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson and was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center. Elise grew up in Buffalo Center and attended North Iowa Community School District until she was a sophomore in high school. Her family then moved to Newell, Iowa where she graduated with the Class of 2022 from Newell-Fonda High School. She participated in volleyball, basketball, track, softball, and quiz bowl in high school, along with being a manager for the girls basketball team her junior and senior year. While in high school and during college breaks, she worked at Mustang Daycare forming many strong bonds with the children and staff there. Elise went on to attend college at Iowa Lakes in Emmetsburg, earning her diploma in Early Childhood Education in May 2024. She was going back this year to pursue her Associates of Science degree in Early Childhood Education when she passed away. She was a student in the SAVE program at Iowa Lakes and was also a member of the Student Senate. Elise’s greatest passion was her involvement in Laker Life at Iowa Lakes where her relationship for the Lord grew and she professed her faith for God through her testimony and baptism on May 3, 2024.

Life was not always an easy path for Elise as she was diagnosed with epilepsy at six months old, enduring many tests and hospital stays during her early years of childhood. Epilepsy made her life more challenging in many ways, but one would never know it with her determination to do the best that she could in everything she attempted.

Elise was a devoted daughter, loving sister, and cherished friend. Her unwavering faith in the Lord was the cornerstone of her life. She approached every challenge with determination and a steadfast spirit, embodying the strength and perseverance that made her an inspiration to all who crossed her path. Her stubborn resolve was matched only by her boundless kindness and an infectious smile that could light up the darkest room.

As a hard worker, Elise dedicated herself to her passions with remarkable zeal. Her commitment to excellence and her relentless drive were evident in everything she undertook, from her academic pursuits to her personal endeavors. Despite her young age, she made a profound impact on her community and everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Elise’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched, the love she spread, and the example she set. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, courage, and a smile that will forever warm the hearts of those who remember her.

Elise will be greatly missed by those she leaves behind. Her Mom and Dad, Chad and Allison; along with her sisters Taylen (Shaun), Kinzee, Mylie, Brynlee and her niece Nazani Jo. Her grandparents, Lyle and Eloise Wirtjes and Chris and Barb Hinders. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles; Ryan and Jennifer Wirtjes, Emily Wirtjes, Cody and Alicia Wirtjes, Cheri and Al Schmidt, Wade and Ann Hinders, and Ryan and Brooke Hinders. Her cousins Kasey, Krisanne, and Brody Wirtjes, Rowan and Ross Wirtjes, Ethan and Emily Schmidt, Evan and Avery Hinders, and Heston, Laingstin, Quinlynn, and Boyden Hinders. She was also loved by many extended family members and many friends including those with Laker Life and from Mustang Daycare.

Elise was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Earl and Carol Christenson, John and Marie Wirtjes, James and Mabel Robinson, and Tom and Hazel Hinders.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Elise Marie Hinders Memorial, which will support causes close to her heart and continue her legacy of compassion and dedication.

Rest in peace, Elise. Your light will forever guide us, and your love and bright smile will remain with us always.

Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.”