Marshfield native Noah Elmhorst passes away after battle with cancer
By Adam Hocking
Editor
MARSHFIELD — Facebook and gofundme pages associated with Noah Elmhorst, a Marshfield native and Marshfield High School graduate, announced Monday that Noah has died after a battle with “Epithelioid Sarcoma, a cancer with a very low survival rate.”
The community rallied around the Elmhorst family back in March when Noah was in China and needed emergency medical attention. Almost $40,000 was raised for Noah’s care through the gofundme account.
The following message was posted both on the Facebook and gofundme pages:
Hope is Eternal
Noah William Elmhorst, 27, of Marshfield, WI passed into his eternal life on Monday, June 6, 2016, after bravely fighting his battle against Epithelioid Sarcoma.
Noah was born April 28, 1989, in Marshfield to father William Elmhorst and mother, Jill Elmhorst. He grew up in a loving family with his two brothers, Taylor and Collin. As a child, Noah was both curious and adventurous. He grew into quite the independent teenager, and as an adult he was courageous and loving. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was extremely clever, and excelled in everything he did. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family, playing RPG video games, carrying on intellectual, in-depth conversations, and playing chess.
As a student Noah was recognized as a 2007 AP State Scholar and received awards in Mathematics: algebra, geometry and calculus. After graduating from Marshfield High School with high honors, Noah went on to attend the University of Madison where he continued his academic success, often passing exams without even ever having attended class!
Five years ago, while attending the University of Wisconsin Madison, Noah was diagnosed with Epithelioid Sarcoma, a cancer with a very low survival rate. After going through chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and surgery while completing college, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 2011.
With a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in physics, Noah decided to move to China to begin work as a teacher. He was hired by the school as an English teacher but instead ended up teaching junior high and senior high mathematics, science, and physics. While there Noah explored the Chinese culture by immersion and learned to speak Chinese fluently. He loved China, and it was there that he was destined to meet his soulmate. On November 3, 2015, Noah met and later married the love of his life, Ming Yan.
Unfortunately, on March 8th, 2016, while in China, Noah was diagnosed with two brain tumors and bleeding on the brain. The cancer had returned. It was shortly after that, through the support from family, friends, and the generosity of others, that Noah was able to travel home to the United States to be with his family. Noah was deeply moved and grateful for the kindness and love shown by so many.
After undergoing various appointments, scans, and treatments, Noah slipped peacefully into his next life surrounded by his mom and dad. Noah is survived by his wife, Ming Yan; his father, Will Elmhorst; his mother, Jill (Johnson) Elmhorst; his brothers, Taylor and Collin Elmhorst; his paternal grandparents, William and Virginia Elmhorst; his maternal grandparents, Keith and Maryann Johnson; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by two of his uncles, Tony Elmhorst and Fredrick (Fritz) Seelow.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 11 at 11 a.m. at Zion United Methodist Church, Marshfield, WI. Visitation with family will be held one hour before the service, beginning at 10am. A reception will follow; all are welcome.
The family would especially like to thank the staff of Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital for their attentive care; Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation Center for making the arrangements; and the many family, friends, and even strangers who gave so sacrificially to bring Noah home.
There will be an AP scholarship fund set up in Noah’s name.
“Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5
Thank you for your love and support.
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