Elaine F. Else

Elaine Else, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2008, at the age of 72, with her loving family at her side. Elaine was born in Kaukauna on October 27, 1935, one of five children born to the late Samuel and Irene (Cotter) Pomeroy.

On December 29, 1984, Elaine married the love of her life, Leonard Else. They enjoyed twenty-three wonderful years together. Elaine loved to travel and had been to Germany, Mexico, Canada, and had traveled through most of the United States in the family's motor home. She loved camping, and fishing, and usually caught more fish than anyone else in the boat. Elaine was also excellent in the kitchen; everyone will remember her cooking and baking for the holidays and other family get-togethers. Even after going out for dinner, she always insisted that the group come back to her home for dessert.

Elaine retired from Thilmany in 1998 after forty-one years of service. Those forty-one years made her a modern day pioneer, as she was the first woman ever to accomplish this feat at Thilmany. A news story was to be written about her, but in her own humble way and not wanting to draw any special attention to herself, she declined to do the interview. She was just simply known as “Ma” to everyone she worked with. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

Elaine is survived by her husband of twenty-three years: Leonard Else of Kaukauna; several brothers and sisters: Irvin (Joan) Pomeroy of Appleton; Shirley Longsine of Kaukauna; Richard Pomeroy of Kaukauna; three step-daughters: Corinne (Pete) DeGroot of New London; Dawn (Joe) Lindholm of Delano, Minnesota, and Karen (Paul) McKinney of California; step-grandchildren: Rob (Julie) DeGroot and their daughter Amanda Coenen, Brian DeGroot, Jennifer (Rev. Nathan) Fager and their son Camden, Jessica Lindhom, Joy Lindholm, and Dawn (Tony) Hernandez and their daughter Abby; and Robert McKinney. There is one great-great granddaughter: Evelyn Coenen. There are also two godchildren: Sam (Lori) Longsine, Rick (Teri) Pomeroy, as well as many other nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law: Nancy Pomeroy of Pulaski and Janet Drogsvoeld of New London; and a special uncle: Melvin (Jeanette) Cotter of Kaukauna. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Irene Pomeroy, a brother Clifford Pomeroy, son-in-law Peter DeGroot, a grandson Paul McKinney, Jr., a brother-in-law Howard “Whitey” Drogsvold, and by Leonard's parents Alvin and Esther (Cousins) Else.

The Christian Funeral for Elaine will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 804 Grignon Street in Kaukauna, with Rev. Mark Luetzow officiating. Inurnment will be in Kaukauna's Union Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to everyone who cared for Elaine during her short stay at St. Elizabeth Hospital. They include the entire staff at the ICU, especially her nurses Jen, Lisa, and Cindy, as well as to Dr. Lauderdale and Dr. Jaffry. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920-766-62300