Elaine Williams, of Holmen, Wisconsin, died Monday, March 18, 2024, at Prairie Home Assisted Living at the age of 97.

Elaine Tilda Mikelson was born on July 26, 1926, in Hazel Run, MN to Arthur and Maybelle (Nelson) Mikelson. She was baptized and confirmed at Hazel Run Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Maynard High School in 1944 and received her teaching license from St. Cloud State Teaching College in 1946.  On June 14, 1947 she was united in marriage to Omar Ardell Williams at the Maynard Lutheran Church.  Over the years, they made their home in Brownton and Winona, MN, Port Edwards, WI, Elkhart, IN, Edwardsburg, MI and finally settling in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

After teaching for several years, Elaine took great delight in raising her four children and being a homemaker.  She was active in supporting her children’s school activities, and in her later years she volunteered at her grandchildren’s school cutting soup labels.   She was an avid reader and an incredible card player, enjoying being in the local bridge club.  Family gatherings often included card games in which she seldom lost, although she “just enjoyed playing.” She kept busy by knitting and quilting, winning first place ribbons at the La Crosse County Fair for her hand-sewn quilts.  She loved crossword puzzles, sudoku, and of course drinking coffee.  She enjoyed many years of friendship and laughter with Bev, Dave, Maxine, Marianne and the rest of her friends at Prairie Home.

She is survived by her four children, Scott Williams of Mundelein, IL;  Kristine (Gregory) Heineck of Holmen, WI; Andrew Williams of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; and Jodi (Louis) Vogel of Holmen, WI; three grandchildren, Samantha (Brian) Neilson of Eden Prairie, MN; Garett (Kayla Altendorf) Heineck of Prossor, WA; Matilda Vogel (fiancé Donovan Thrun) of Fond du Lac, WI; one great grandchild, Emma Neilson of Eden Prairie, MN, sister Marjorie Harein of Mahtomedi, MN and a number of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Omar in 1981, her four brothers, Glenn, Lyle (Doris), Dean (Ruby) ad Robert (Julie), her sister Irene (Maurice), and her brother-in-law Phillip.

Sincere gratitude to the entire staff at the Prairie Home Assisted Living facility in Holmen.  The care they provided for Elaine at her independent and assisted living apartment for the last nine year has been outstanding and much appreciated.  Thank you also to St. Croix Hospice who provided care and assistance in her final days.  Much thanks to Carole Solsrud of Holmen Lutheran Church for faithfully providing in-home communion and fellowship over many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent c/o Kris Heineck and will be distributed to Elaine’s favorite charities.

On Tuesday, March 26 a small memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 440 Garfield Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.  Pastor Cheryl Davis will officiate.  A brief graveside service will be held immediately after at Rest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, 6411 Plover Road, Wisconsin Rapids.