Elsie Mulligan

Elsie Joan (Heiden) Mulligan was born on February 26, 1934 to George and Lorna (Carter) Heiden, in Roosevelt, Minnesota. She moved to Luverne, Minnesota at the age of five and graduated from Luverne High School. During and after high school, she worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone. On July 25, 1953, Elsie married Eugene Mulligan at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Luverne. The couple made their home in Luverne, where they raised their eight children. A lifelong resident, Elsie had a deep love for her community. She worked as the kitchen manager at the Luverne VFW and later became the manager of the Luverne Country Kitchen, where she spent 15 years. Many fondly remember the restaurant for its homemade pies—made fresh daily by Elsie. She concluded her career at the Luverne Style Shop, another role she cherished. On May 3, 2025, Elsie passed away peacefully surrounded by her children at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth, Minnesota, at the age of 91 years, 2 months, and 7 days.

Elsie was a devoted member of St. Catherine’s Parish in Luverne. She had a passion for card games, especially bridge, and was always ready to join in any game.

Elsie is lovingly remembered by her children, Kevin (Diane) Mulligan, Delano, Minnesota, Margaret (Peggy) Mulligan and John Rauch of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Kelly (Nita) Mulligan of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Thomas Mulligan of Luverne, Shannon (Mark) Oye of Luverne, Sean Mulligan of Buffalo, Minnesota, Mary (Dwayne) Lundy of Maple Grove, and Mickey (Michelle) Mulligan of Buffalo; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; brother, Eugene (Charlotte) Heiden of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; in-laws, Bill (Mary Lou) Mulligan, Dale (Rosemary) Moerke of Luverne, Mike Mulligan of Magnolia, Minnesota, and Dorothy Mulligan of Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Mulligan; parents, George (Lorna) Heiden; great-grandson, Gavin Oye; nephew, Bryan Heiden; and in-laws, Robert (Mary Jean) Mulligan, Donald (Ida) Mulligan, Jack (Deloras) Mulligan, James Mulligan, Richard Mulligan, Carol Van Orden, and Jan Mulligan.