Elva Fiedler

by April Scheinoha
Reporter

She has nominated others for the award, and now, she has found herself on the other side. Elva Fiedler is Pennington County’s Outstanding Senior.

Elva will be honored during the Senior Citizen Program of the Pennington County Fair. The program will be held Friday, July 20 at 1 p.m. in the bus garage on the fairgrounds.

The rural Goodridge resident called it an unexpected honor. “It’s a very nice honor,” she said. “I certainly want to thank the ones that think I’m worthy.”

Elva has volunteered in various places over the years. She volunteers with the women’s group at her church, Ekelund Lutheran Church in rural Goodridge. Elva said she volunteers for most activities in which the group is involved. She noted that she has held just about every office in the organization.

In the past, Elva also served as a foster grandparent at Goodridge School. It was a way for her to continue spending time with kids. Prior to retiring in 1992, Elva taught elementary students at the school. Over the course of her 24-year career there, her teaching assignments changed depending upon the needs of the school.

In the past, Elva also served as a volunteer in the Senior Companion Program, which helps seniors stay in their homes. As a volunteer, Elva visited with seniors, drove them to appointments and helped in other ways.

About volunteering, Elva said, “I like to be with people, and there’s a need there. And someday I might need it, too.”
Elva noted that volunteering works both ways. Someone else benefits from the work completed by the volunteer, and the volunteer benefits by meeting a new friend. Elva added that both sides benefit since they can share stories and experiences.

When not volunteering, Elva enjoys gardening and writing. She has put down her paintbrushes and cake-making supplies. Many people may recall Elva’s former side hustle. She made cakes for such events as weddings and graduations. Years ago, she made 25 cakes in one day. Elva said, “They were all over the house.”

Of course, nothing outweighs spending time with her family. Elva and her late husband, Gene, have a son, Joel. Three grandchildren and one great-grandson round out the family.