Elsa Nerby

Livestream of Elsa's service can be found on the Trinity Lutheran Church, Sabin, website.

www.tlcsabin.com

Elsa Nerby, 98, formerly of Sabin, MN, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, at Bethany On University in Fargo.

Elsa Morlock was born on December 27, 1927, to Jacob and Amalia (Wetzel) Morlock in Pettibone, ND. She spent her early years on a farm near Pettibone, before her family transitioned into owning a café in Lake Williams, ND. The passing of her mother when Elsa was just 11 years old brought her siblings together to help raise her, illustrating the strong family bonds present in her early life. During her time at the café, she met the love of her life, Thomas Nerby, and they married on June 15, 1949, in Robinson, ND.

Together, Elsa and Thomas began their married life farming and welcomed a loving family. Eventually, they moved to West Fargo, ND, where Elsa devoted her time to raising their children. In 1962, the family relocated to Sabin, MN, where Elsa remained for the rest of her life.

As her children grew older, Elsa returned to the workforce, taking on various roles. She worked in housekeeping at General Nutrition and the Holiday Inn and spent many years pressing clothes at Fargo Laundry. Her dedication to service continued at Bethany Nursing Home, where she worked in housekeeping until her retirement at the remarkable age of 80.

Elsa was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sabin and was actively involved in her children's lives, serving as a Den Mother with the Cub Scouts and participating in 4-H activities. A talented seamstress, Elsa made many of her children’s clothes by hand and was known for her wonderful bread, buns, and krub. Her passion for sewing also translated into beautiful quilting creations.

Elsa also had an adventurous side, cherishing the opportunity to travel with her adult children to destinations across Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, as well as Hawaii.

Elsa is survived by her five children, Terry (Shirley) Nerby of Nelson, MN, Cheryl Nerby of Sabin, MN, Elvin Nerby of Fargo, ND, Robert (Kim) Nerby of Moorhead, MN, and Theresa Hamner of Auburn, WA; grandchildren, Michael (Megan) Nerby of Moorhead, MN, Michelle (Mike) Liebenow of Florida, Kristina (Nathan) Schwandt of Fargo, ND, Nathan (Lea) Nerby of Maryland, Kelly (Nathan) Mead of Moorhead, Steven Nerby of Sauk Rapids, MN, Adam (Sarah) Hamner of Auburn, WA, and Katherine (David) Parsons of Auburn, WA; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Elsa is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Nerby (1981); her parents, Jacob and Amalia Morlock; and seven siblings, Gus Morlock, Hulda Guthmiller, Freda Guthmiller, Edwin Morlock, Armin Morlock, Agnes Thomas and Elmer Morlock.

Memorial contributions can be directed to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 2nd Ave. W, Sabin, MN 56580.

Elsa’s funeral service will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, Sabin, MN. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Sabin.