Obituary of Thelma M. Elfring

Thelma M. Elfring

Thelma was born in Minneapolis, MN on September 3, 1926 to John & Anna (Birkeland) Oakvik. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 28, 2020, at age 94, in Edina, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Richard R. Zima and Arthur C. Elfring; sister Joy Fuller; brothers John, Carroll and James Oakvik. 

Thelma is survived by her daughters Sally Van Dyke (Robert Braun) and Rosemary Zima; grandson Richard Van Dyke; great-granddaughter Alyssa Van Dyke; and many beloved step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Thelma was a very talented Interior Designer, active in the American Society of Interior Designers. She owned Studio Three Interiors in Wayzata, MN for 14 years. She then got her “dream job,” working at Gabbert’s Design Studio, until her retirement. Thelma loved to travel, especially to Norway to visit family. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking, knitting, and needlepoint, and has left much of her handiwork to her family. 

Because of COVID-19, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials preferred to Bethesda Lutheran Communities  bethesdalc.org/get-involved/donate  (Other-type in ‘MN Region’). 

Private Interment at Fort Snelling. Arrangements with Cremation Society of Minnesota, Edina, MN.