Elaine Mary (Peer) Papenfuss, of Barron, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2019 at the age of 96, at Cumberland Care and Rehab. 

Elaine was born on June 8, 1923, in Muscoda, Wisconsin to Alonzo and Mary (Richter) Peer.  One night, when Elaine was about 11, there was a torrential rain storm and when they opened their door in the morning, there had been a rock slide and the mud was six feet deep.  Alonzo decided that day to move the family.  They loaded up all the relatives and children in three cars with trailers and began their lives as farmers in Cumberland.  Elaine graduated from Turtle Lake High School at the age of 16 and attended St. Croix Falls Normal to begin a teaching career, but since she didn’t feel like she was artistic or musical, she never pursued that profession.

Her greatest joy came from her years as a homemaker, gardener, and mother to 4 children.  Elaine attended Salem Lutheran Church for decades where she was very active in Ladies Aid, quilting, and as a leader of the funeral committee.  She continued to participate in many activities; loved reading, became a Bingo “star” and especially enjoyed celebrating and visiting with family members and friends.  Her family was very important to her, and was often invited to watch Wheel of Fortune with her – and she usually knew the answers before anyone else.

Elaine is survived by her children, Larry (Alice) Verby, Sandy (Vern) Miller, Debbie Raether, and Karen (Shawn) Anderson; 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Stan (Betty) Peer and Arnie Peer; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edwin; brother, Alonzo, Jr.; granddaughter, Samantha Verby; and son-in-law, Dan Raether.

Funeral services for Elaine Papenfuss will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Barron with Pastor Michael Nielsen officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning.  Interment will take place following the service at the Lakeside Cemetery in Cumberland.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Dec 17, 2019 8:31 am CST