Obit: Hanson, Elaine Jeanette (1929 - 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Hanson, Wittlinger, Ayer, Vanderhoof, Rahm, Koenig, Peterson, Chaudhry, Cummings, Larranaga, Oke

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 8/24/2021

Hanson, Elaine Jeanette (19 June 1929 – 2 August 2021)

Elaine Jeanette Hanson, 92, of Apache Junction, AZ formerly of Marshfield, passed away August 2, 2021, at Melody Care Home in Apache Junction.

Born June 19, 1929, at home in Unity, she is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Esther (Wittlinger) Ayer of Riplinger, and her late husband of 66 years, Owen D. Hanson of Apache Junction, AZ. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Verland Ayer, Lenore (David) Vanderhoof, Lucille (William) Rahm, and Melvin (Helen) Ayer.

Elaine is survived by her four children: Sheila (Brian) Koenig of La Quinta, CA, Gale (Fulhencia) Hanson of Tempe, AZ, Barbara (Guy) Peterson of Escondido, CA and Kathleen (Riaz) Chaudhry of Escondido, CA. Grandchildren: Eric (Christie) Cummings, Christopher Koenig, Sonia Hanson, Raul Larranaga, Patrick (Caroline) Peterson, Jason Chaudhry, Ryan (Shannon) Chaudhry, Sara (Robin) Oke, Rebecca Chaudhry and Sandra Chaudhry and twelve great-grandchildren and four cats.

Elaine attended school in Riplinger, graduating Colby High School in 1946 at the age of 16. After her marriage to Owen in 1946, they farmed for a short time near Colby, later moving to Marshfield, where she began her long retail career. She first worked in dress boutiques, a pharmacy and then at Julianne Fabrics where she broke the glass ceiling and became a store manager. In 1972, after moving to Mesa AZ with her husband, she began store manager training with Cloth World and completed Business Management courses at Mesa Community College. Management training led to a successful and happy career as a store manager in for Cloth World Tulsa, OK, El Paso, TX, Women's World in Fairfield, CA and back to Cloth World in Mesa, AZ. Prior to retirement in 1987, she worked in the flooring department at Sears. Throughout her career, Elaine was a dedicated mother, often hosting her entire family for wonderful Thanksgivings and Christmases. An excellent seamstress, she made sure her daughters all learned to sew and made beautiful clothing for them and her grandchildren. Her passion for cooking, led to an extensive collection of cookbooks and spices. Up to her death, Elaine kept up with current events, and advances in science and medicine. She was a wonderful conversationalist and encouraged her family to excel in whatever they focused on.

The funeral and internment were held at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207 (480.832.2850) on Monday, August 9, 2021.