In loving memory of

Elaine R. Wichtendahl
June 17, 1934 - June 10, 2018

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Whittemore. Burial will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Elaine Ruth (Meyer) Wichtendahl received her crown of eternal life on Sunday, June 10, 2018. She was born on a farm in rural Whittemore to Edna Schultz on June 17, 1934. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Whittemore. She married the love of her life, Delbert Wichtendahl on July 20, 1952, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. To this union they were blessed with four children, Vernon, Steven, Paul and Carmen.

She was a faithful organist at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 1979-2014. She enjoyed playing cards, sewing, knitting and crocheting and her family lovingly called her "Blazing Needles." Elaine worked at Zumach's AG Foodstore, Dr. LeRoy Strohman's Dentistry, The Travel Agency and Schuchert and Erickson Eye Doctors and many years as the church secretary.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Delbert of Whittemore; children, Vernon and Twila of Lotts Creek; Reverend Steven and Cheryl of Guthrie Center; Paul and Mary of Good Thunder, MN; Carmen and Bill O'Brien of Marion; grandchildren: Angela (Josh Rusch) Wichtendahl, Emily (Nick) Crimmins, Suzanne Wichtendahl, Jonathan (Dana) Wichtendahl, Aime Jo Wichtendahl, Sara (Shawn McGuire) Wichtendahl, Courtney Wichtendahl, Corban Wichtendahl, Shayla O'Brien and Melaina O'Brien; great-grandchildren: Leo, Philip, Kaden, Aveline, Vendela, Haley, Steven, Flynn, Brenden and Evan; brother, Eldon (JoAnn) Meyer and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Edna (Schultz) Meyer; grandson, Michael Wichtendahl; granddaughter, Kelly O'Brien and a great-grandson, Victor Crimmins.

Tributes

Judith Bartley Jordan wrote on Jun 17, 2018:

"To the family of Elaine, my God Bless you and your in this time of sorrow. We have lost both of our parents, but have in common with you the KOL league, that makes us all family. Our family ?The Bartley?s? grieve with you and pray for all. She is now in the place of peace and serenity. Christ be with you, Judith Bartley Jordan"

Judith Bartley Jordan wrote on Jun 17, 2018:

"To the family of Elaine, my God Bless you and your in this time of sorrow. We have lost both of our parents, but have in common with you the KOL league, that makes us all family. Our family ?The Bartley?s? grieve with you and pray for all. She is now in the place of peace and serenity. Christ be with you, Judith Bartley Jordan"

Tami Reding wrote on Jun 15, 2018:

"So very sorry for your loss! Elaine was a pleasure to work with back in the Drs. Erickson /Schuchert days. She always brought the best homemade goodies too! Tami Reding"

Stephen Brody wrote on Jun 13, 2018:

"Vern and family, my deepest condolences to you all. Rest assured I am lifting you up in prayer for the Lord's arms to be wrapped around each of you giving you comfort and strength and peace, not only now but in the days and weeks ahead. Blessings! Stephen Brody"

Marcia Zatloukal Friedrich wrote on Jun 13, 2018:

"Many fond memories of Elaine and family while growing up in Whittemore. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, Marcia Zatloukal Friedric"

Randy Sewick wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"Deepest Sympathy to you Delbert, Vern, Steve,Paul and Carmen with the Los of Elaine!! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers!! Love you guys!!"

Henry and Evelyn Friedrich wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"Our sincere sympathy, Delbert, to you and your family. We were surprised when we saw this notice of Elaine's death. We had just talked to you in the parking lot at the hospital the night before. Since you had experienced her illness and the problems she faced it might not have been as much of a shock for you, yet I am sure it was a very sad time as well. We think of Jesus words to Martha as she felt sorrow at Lazarus' death: I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me even though he die, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" I am sure what your response is to that question. May that certainty give you peace at this time! Sincerely, In Christ. Henry and Evelyn Friedrich. "

Joni Peterson wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"Elaine was such a wonderful person that I had the honor to know! I will miss her smiling face & all the wonderful conversations we had at the dental office. Praying for all of you in your time of sorrow."

Linda wrote on Jun 11, 2018:

"Praying for all your broken hearts...when I was flower girl for her, I remember her looking so beautifil...I asked her if she was a queen ? and now she is wearing a crown. Was always so beautiful...know she will be so missed...great memories will help get you thru.. ?"

Joy Metzger wrote on Jun 11, 2018:

"Good bye to a neighbor and one of the "Birthday Club" girls. One of my favorite memories of Elaine was during the time that the Birthday Club (our Mom's card club) use to dress up for Halloween. I remember she came in costume and never said a word to anyone just sat quietly while everyone tried to figure out who she was. Finally someone said it had to be Elaine, because they recognized her legs. I also remember her many years for playing the organ for church. In the summertime, in the days before air conditioning, you could sometimes hear her practicing on Saturdays. My sympathies to all of the Wichtendahl family. I know you will miss her."