Loretta Frances (Bruckerhoff) Elfline

Loretta Frances Elfline, 87, of Hermann, MO, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025 at StoneBridge Senior Living, Hermann, Missouri.

Loretta was born in McKittrick, Missouri on April 3, 1938, the daughter of the late Paul G. & Alberta L. (Hartman) Bruckerhoff.

She was united in marriage to Milferd R. "Jake" Elfline on April 14, 1956, at St. Joseph's Church, Rhineland, MO. Together they shared 61 years of marriage.  Jake preceded her in death on February 23, 2018.

Loretta was a member of St. Paul's Church, in Berger, Missouri. She worked for American Recreation Products in New Haven.  She also ran a daycare in her home for many years, where she enjoyed taking care of the children she watched.

In her free time, she also enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, doing puzzles, playing cards and dancing.

Loretta is survived by her six children, a son, Milferd R. Elfline Jr. & wife Michelle, of Hermann, Missouri; a son, Donald J. Elfline, of Hermann, Missouri; a daughter, Lori A. Heichel & husband Steven, of Overland Park, Kansas; a son, David W. Elfline & wife Jennifer, of Hermann, Missouri; a son, Robert D. Elfline & wife Jennifer, of Rosebud, Missouri; and a daughter, Vicki L. Held & husband Andrew, of Independence, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Wanda Menke & Juanita Elfline; 14 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother LeRoy Bruckerhoff, a sister, Eleanora Ebker, a granddaughter, Jill Elfline and a great grandson, Elijah Garner.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at a later date at St. Paul's Church, Berger, Missouri.  Memorial donations may be given to Hermann Area Crusade Against Cancer.