Elaine Elenz
January 31, 1938 ~ March 4, 2013
Elaine C. Elenz age 75 of North Washington, Iowa died Monday, March 4, 2013, at the Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Washington with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. The pall will be place on the casket by her three children. Louie Arens will serve as lector. The offertory gifts will be presented by Amanda Uhlenhake, Ashley Goltz and Riley Elenz.
Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Washington with Adam Brincks, Graham Goltz, James Uhlenhake, Jim Boos, Steve Boos and Joe Arens serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Bonnie Shatek, Barb Havlik, Jane Harrington, Connie Tilkes, Pat Tenge, Harriet Capaul, Doris Ries, Irma Tenge and Darlene Throndson.
Friends may greet the family 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2013, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 4:00 p.m. rosary and a 6:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the funeral at the church on Saturday. Online condolences for Elaine's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com
Elaine Clara Elenz was born January 31, 1938, in New Hampton, IA, the daughter of Nicholas and Bertha (Jenn) Jacobs. She received her education at St. Boniface Catholic Grade School and High School, graduating in 1956. Elaine was active in the Ionia girls softball, playing first base for many years. It was while she was a senior, in 1956, when she went to a dance in Lawler and met her future husband. On June 3, 1957, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia, she married James Joseph Elenz. To this union three children were born. The couple lived southeast of Alta Vista and later moved into North Washington when Jim began to get ill. On May 5, 1965, Jim died at the age of 33, from complications due to severe diabetes.
Elaine loved her garden when she was younger, growing vegetables and tending to her flowers. She also enjoyed embroidering, playing cards, watching t.v. and talking on the telephone. She treasured her time with family, especially the grandchildren and the lunch’s she enjoyed with her girlfriends
Elaine did some babysitting, and helped at the St. Mary’s School Library in North Washington until she began working at Sara Lee in 1974. She remained working at Sara Lee until her failing health forced her to quit in the late 1980’s. She had many health problems, but never complained and always kept her faith. When her eye sight worsened baking was something she was still able to do. She loved to bake and share her goodies with everyone. She enjoyed listening to polka music on the radio and going to softball games.She was very fun loving, compassionate, and a hard working mother. She will be greatly missed by her family.
Elaine was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the I.C. Rosary Society of North Washington. Memorials may be directed to the family or Iowa Hospice.
Survivors include one son, Tom (Ruby) Elenz of Hopkins, SC; two daughters, Kathy (Chuck) Brincks of Ossian, Jane (Jack) Seelhammer of North Washington; four grandchildren, Ashley (Graham) Goltz of Ossian, Adam Brincks of Ossian, Amanda (James) Uhlenhake of Ossian, Riley Elenz of Hopkins, SC; four great-grandchildren, Jackson Goltz, Isabelle Goltz, Owen Goltz and Ryder Uhlenhake; one step-great-grandson, CJ Uhlenhake; one sister, Florence (Jim) Boos of New Hampton.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jim.
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Jane and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of your mom. I have fond memories of her when we were growing up and spending time at your house. Cherish the memories and keep them close to your heart. Barb (Paulson) Nevin
Jane and Family, Very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and grandmother. Thinking of you at this difficult time, hoping to catch up with you soon. Keith and Becky Buckridge and family
I am so sorry for your family and friends of Elaine. She was such a part of all my wonderful memories as a kid growing up in Ionia. We spent many happy hours under the shade tree cleaning veggies for NIck and Bertha and enjoying root beer floats. Then maybe I even got to spend the night. She is part of my soul and my heart and I will always remember her and keep her in my prayers! Sincerely, Nancy (Rausch) Day
Dear Tom, Kathy, and Jane I’m so sorry for your lose. Elaine was such a wonderful person. She will be missed. I remember the vacations that we spent at your house when we were kids. Some of the best times ever they were wonderful. Its been a long time since I have been back there I miss see you guys. I love you guys stay strong. Love Dawn, Brian and Ashley Cook
Mary Thornburg lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Tom, Kathy and Jane, You have my prayers and sympathy. Your Mom is out of pain and by God’s side. She was such a nice lady. May God’s peace be with you. Carolyn
You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother! Elaine always saw the positive side of everything in life and made the world a better place. May she rest in peace! Joe and Sharon Haskovec
I remember my Aunt Elaine’s smile the most. I haven’t seen her in a while but as a kid she always seemed happy. I remember the card games in the evenings when we went to visit and the ice cubes she gave me for my fingers after Tom convinced me to throw my sparkler in the air at 4th of July. Yep I picked it up from the wrong end. They heeled just as do hearts after losing someone close to you. Say hi to my dad when you get to heaven and keep that trump card close enough for that come from behind win. You’ll be missed and in Nena’s and my thoughts and prayers.
Bruce & Nena Britt purchased the Teleflora’s Quiet Expressions for the family of Elaine C. Elenz.
Cletus & Doris Ries lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
I am sorry for our loss. A full life provides so many wonderful memories. May these ease our sorrow in the days ahead. ‘I have hope toward God, which hope these men themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous’. (Acts 24:15). My prayers are that the resurrection hope will comfort you.
A Full Life was purchased for the family of Elaine C. Elenz.
Love’s Journey was purchased for the family of Elaine C. Elenz.
Secret Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Elaine C. Elenz.
You have our heartfelt sympathy at this time. Elaine was a beautiful person. She also had a wonderful smile & greeting when we visited. Cherish your memories close at heart & forever feel your angel on your shoulder. In sympathy, Jeff & Ralynn Weigel
We are thinking of all of you! Elaine was so kind! Prayers and thoughts to all of you! To
Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Always keep your memories of her close to your heart. Ray & Roxy Bachman
Andy And Susie Brady lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Roger & Brenda Ries lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Linda And Gary Steven And Family lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Deb,Roger,Nicole Mohring lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Shawn, Brenda, Trevor & Austin Bartz lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one
Lynn And Dee Boeding lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Gary & Julie Gorman & Family lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Kathy, Jane and Tom – I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ann Grober
Steve And Shellie lit a candle in memory of Elaine C. Elenz
Kathy, Tom, Jane and families: Thinking of you all at the time of your loss of your Mom and Grandma. Keep her memories alive and she will always be with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Sharon Carpenter
Tom, Kathy, Jane and families. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Elaine was a special person and will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Gary and Mary Lou Ries
Kathy, Ashley and family – So sorry for your loss – thoughts and prayers your way. Steve Carnesi and family
Thinking of you Kathy, and family! May your memories of her be filled with joy and gratitude for all she had brought to this world. With love, Stephanie J. Martin
Tom, Kathy & Jane. Elaine was a very special person. I remember all the times she stayed at the ‘Adams’ house in New Hampton during snow storms just so she could make it to work at Sara Lee. Now that was a dedicated lady that worked hard at her job. We just had a snow storm, she must of wanted to have another sleepover with Boobie and Edna. 🙂 You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care. Digger & Michelle ( Adams) White.
Tom,Kathy and Jane, our thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss of you mother, She was a great neighbor, she practically help raise our two girls seems like they were over to see her alot when growing up.
Tom, Kathy, Jane and Families~~my deepest sympathies to you all.. Elaine was a wonderful person and I have many great memories of her… my thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult days to come.. take care. Theresa Schulz and Family
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Elaine had the kindest soul, she will be missed by all. Denise (Tilkes)Landwehr
Tom, Jane and family, So sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a special lady. She will be missed by all who knew her. Hang on to the memories. She will always be with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim and Dixie
We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts. The great memories you have are endless. Elaine will be greatly missed. Steve, Mick and family
Tom, Jane and family, we express our deepest sympathy in the loss of our Mom. Cherish the memories. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Roger and Laurie Tiemessen
Jane and Family – please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Thinking of you all at this time of your great loss. Alot of great memories together!! Take care. Tom, Paula and family
Elaine was like a Grandmother to me and a huge part of our family. We will miss her dearly and always cherish the memories we had growing up next to her.
Elaine was a sweetheart. Never complained about anything. She has been a lifelong friend of ours. Always remembered. Pat, Teresa Gleason and family
Dear Tom, Kathy, and Jane I’m so sorry for your lose. Elaine was such a wonderful person. She will be missed. I remember the vacations that we spent at your home when we were kids they were such wonderful times. Its been a long time since i have been back there. I love you guys be strong. Love Dawn, Brian & Ashley Cook
I didn’t know Elaine real well, but well enough to visit with when I saw her. She was a joy to visit with. You and she will be remembered for a long time. You are all in my prayers. Marilyn Wegner