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Elsa Reese McGrain
May 13th, 2005 - November 6th, 2025
May 13th, 2005 - November 6th, 2025
“...and that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you.” -Romans 15:32
Elsa Reese McGrain was born on May 13, 2005, in Omaha, Nebraska. She embodied the very essence of love and loyalty. Growing up surrounded by the love and support of her family, she was the cherished daughter of Anna Chartrand McGrain and Jordan McGrain, the beloved stepdaughter of Ashley McGrain, and a loving sister to Luke, Kyra, and Wolf. She was the granddaughter of Jeanne McGrain and Nick McGrain and Margie Chartrand and the late Dr. Stephen Chartrand.
Tragically, Elsa’s life was cut short on November 6, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas. Though her time with us was brief, her impact is indelible. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a legacy fund in her honor to continue the good she inspired.
An extraordinary student, Elsa graduated from Elkhorn South High School in 2023, excelling academically and earning accolades such as the Omaha Rotary Scholar and the prestigious Chancellor Scholar at the University of Kansas, where she pursued her dream of becoming a physician. Her vibrant spirit and sharp intellect were evident in her quiet confidence and unwavering discipline, leading her to inspire her peers as a devoted campus leader and a proud member of the Chi Omega Sorority.
Elsa was not only passionate about her studies but also deeply devoted to her faith. A passionate member and leader at Life.Church, she lived out her beliefs, believing fervently in the power of community and connection. Her nurturing nature and selflessness shone through in her interactions with others; she had a unique gift for making people feel seen, safe, and valued.
Her leadership was evident in so many ways, one of which was Summer Nights, a young adult ministry she helped create and lead. Summer Nights gave young adults the opportunity to learn and grow in their faith, to connect deeply, and to find belonging. She brought sunshine, light, and laughter to so many. Supportive and never judgmental, she celebrated everybody’s differences and lived with a heart that was wholly selfless.
Deeply committed to her family and friends, Elsa always made time for those she cherished, whether it was through spirited conversations or shared laughter. As an avid supporter of Kansas Athletics, particularly basketball (#RockChalk), she enjoyed the community that came with cheering on her beloved teams while forging deep relationships with her peers.
As we gather to celebrate her life, we remember not only her achievements and intellect but the kindness, energy, and love she brought to every room. Elsa Reese McGrain will forever hold a special place in our hearts, a beacon of light whose gentle spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her. While Elsa is no longer with us physically, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her and in all who were touched by her life.
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Elsa’s life with a heartfelt message.
Abby Allen
I miss Elsa a lot. I think about her everyday. Today is a hard day, it has helped to look through these. Her laugh was contagious. I loved that she always invited us all to Salt every week. I loved when she opened her mouth to smile because she was excited about something. I love how she subbed out cuss words with ridiculous words like " frick me in the buttcheeks". Bruh that is so much worse than the original. I loved how messy she was. I loved her sharing her gluten free snacks with me. I loved when we ran together. I loved when she would explain the gospel. I love the way she stomped down the stairs. I miss her so much.
Kate Shatel
Simply put, Elsa is the kind of person that remains in your heart forever. Elsa made me LAUGH. I genuinely cannot pinpoint a story that made me laugh harder than a random Thursday in high school. Elsa was chronically late to everything. Whether she slept through all of her alarms (typical) or miscalculated travel time, she was late to anywhere she needed to be. I had the privilege of going to high school with her and working with her at Aerie about 20 minutes from where we lived. Just like any other Tuesday evening, Elsa and I had matching shifts - 4:30-8:30. I got to the store around 3:45 because school got out early and I wanted to clock some extra minutes. Elsa on the other hand, showed up at 4:45 claiming that school got out late (everyone knowing that wasn’t true). We all laughed as she walked to the back room and get set up before her shift. She’s just the kind of person you cannot be upset at. It must be those dimples. I miss you more each day sweet friend, but I know you are where you’ve always dreamed on being. With love forever, Kate 🧡
Sydney Owens
Elsa was one of my co leaders for our salt company campus group. To see her pour into each and every girl that came on Wednesday nights was truly amazing. She was so intentional about everything that she did and I have learned so much from her. She truly loved the Lord and loved others and it was so evident in her actions. I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to meet Elsa.
Kate Shatel
The classic Elsa laugh. And our funniest video from our Chi O girls coming to Omaha. Elsa and I had a blast showing everyone around, we all miss your giggle.
Ruby Kirk
What lesson(s) did Elsa teach you?
While I can’t remember the exact moment I met Elsa, she was always a constant in my life. From being in choir back in our EVVMS days, to playing soccer at ESHS, and finally being sisters in Chi O, Elsa has been there. She’s made a million impacts on a million different people, but Elsa taught me to always do your best to be a light for others. Elsa always had a smile to flash or a joke to tell over lunch. She could have 3 exams in a week and she would still take the time to ask how you were doing, and what your new life update was. While I was always a grade above Elsa through the years, I really felt like she was the big sister. Wise beyond her years. I spoke with Elsa on the day she went to heaven. She was studying (of course!) and while we caught up on all the life things she saw me struggling with our printer. She didn't let a second pass before asking if I needed help and directed me to where the extra paper was. Something so small, but it perfectly reflects the type of person she is. Always a helping hand, always a light, and the most selfless person I've ever known. I will replay that conversation so often. Her big blue headphones always made me smile and she was wearing them that day! I think of Elsa often❤️ I am thinking of you all and sending prayers everyday. Live like Elsa!
Leiah Semaan
My favorite memory was when I was living in the Chi Omega house with Elsa and sleeping in the top bunks right next to each other. Elsa would always be on her computer at night with the brightness all the way up, so it would shine in my face because she always stayed up so much later than me. I felt too bad to tell her that because I knew she would feel terrible about it. After a couple weeks Elsa realized that it was shining in my face so she started only getting on her computer if she was buried under her blanket. At the end of the semester she told me that every 5 minutes she would come out from under her blanket to take some breaths because it was hard to breath under there and we thought it was the funniest thing ever.
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