Elaine G. Gaustad, 98, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, August 12th, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.
Elaine was born on May 16, 1918 in Pampa, TX, the daughter of Martin and Adelaide “Addie” (McQuien) Garner. She married John W. Gaustad Sr., an Eau Claire native, on September 15, 1940 in Texas.
Elaine was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She kept a wonderful home that always made her family and friends feel warm and loved. John and Elaine had the love everyone dreams of, over 50 years of a wonderful marriage speaks of their devotion and love for each other. She had many friends, and took every opportunity to get together with them, whether it be playing bridge with her bridge club, drinking coffee with the ladies in her sewing club, or breakfast and birthday get-togethers with her many friends at the condo.
She lived through many things, including, The Great Depression, and was truly one of the greatest of her generation. Just like a yellow rose, she could always make anyone smile. Heaven truly got another very special angel.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband John; sister, Margaret Wortham; nieces, Hazel Elaine Stockwell Smith and Sandra Zimmerman; and nephew Chipper Stockwell.
She is survived by her son, John W. (Martha) Gaustad Jr.; granddaughter, Kari Gaustad; great grandson, Jared Gaustad; nephew, Kenneth Zimmerman; great nephew, Michael (Debbie) Stockwell; great nieces, Denise (Pete) Zimmerman Garcia and Ricki Laine Stockwell; as well as many great-great nieces and nephews.
On September 24th, 2016, we celebrate her life, and the countless lives she made brighter with a memorial visitation at Smith Funeral Chapel from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. A memorial service will be held following visitation at the funeral home with Pastor Amy Odgren officiating.
More than any words can express, she will be missed by all who knew her.
We had some nice conversations after our birthday parties and breakfasts. I will miss you.
We will always remember the laughter and memories we shared for so many years of Canadian fishing and reliving those fishing and moose hunting stories. She was always eager to welcome man, child or beast with her laughter and hospitality; for endless hours of lake fun at she and John’s homes. I can still hear her distinct laugh as she anticipated a story that she had heard John tell before. Indeed she was an angel while right here on earth. I’m sure John and all her Golden Retrievers and Elk Hounds were there to greet her as she arrived. Maybe a Canary or Parakeet were singing her home.
Aunt Lanie was a smiling beacon for the entire family. Her distinct laugh was contagious to all around her and she will be greatly missed. I will always cherish the times we were together.