Obituary of Michele Jean Elfrink

She was born to Yvonne & Elgin Anderson on December 17th, 1943 in Duluth. Shelley spent her early years living with her mother and grandparents, Joseph & Elizabeth Toupin until her mother married Russell Fournier. Shelley’s mother passed away when Shelley was 16 years old. As a senior in high school, she moved to Proctor, MN to live with her grandmother and graduated from Proctor High School in 1962. Shelley married Rodney W. Johnson in April of 1962. Her first son, David was born later that year. Rod and Shelley divorced in 1964. On May 21, 1966 Shelley married Ronald Elfrink. She and Ronald had their son, Erik in February of 1971. She worked various jobs over the years including: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishing, serving as a school lunch lady at Denfeld High School, Heide’s Mastectomy Shop and was a make-up artist at the Duluth Playhouse. Above all, Shelley’s favorite job was being a devoted and loving wife and mother, Nana and Auntie Shelley to her family. Shelley always put her family first and was her boys’ biggest fan; whether that meant cheering for outdoor hockey games (with subzero temperatures), or celebrating weddings and births. We could always count on Shelley to be a listening ear and prayer warrior. She loved family gatherings, but Christmas was her favorite. Her home was meticulously decorated, filled with beautiful music, and presents were piled up for everyone. Shelley loved Jesus. She loved to worship Him and spent many hours in prayer. Shelley was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph "Dodo" & Elizabeth "Beth" Toupin; mother, Yvonne (Russell) Fournier; father, Elgin Anderson; and brother, Gary Erickson. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Ronald Elfrink; sons, David Johnson and Erik (Krista) Elfrink; grandson, Hans Elfrink; sisters, Terri Godwin and Wendy Sanborn; brothers, Alan Fournier, Bruce Fournier and David Fournier; and by many loving relatives and friends. Visitation: 4-7PM, Thursday, 6/21/18 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N. 56th Ave. W, Duluth and 1 hr. prior to the service at church. Funeral Service: 1PM, Friday, 6/22/18 at The River Church, 1902 E 4th St, Duluth. Interment will take place at Oneota Cemetery. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.