Elaine M. Holte

Elaine M. Holte of Alexandria passed away peacefully on February 14, 2016 following a celebration with family of her 90th birthday. Elaine’s legacy of love, generosity, wisdom, faith and fun lives on in her family and many others she touched over those 90 years. She was born Elaine Montana Leean on February 11, 1926 to Sidney and Marie Leean in Nelsonville, Wisconsin. The oldest of seven siblings, she grew up in a close, loving family in Iola, Wisconsin, often traveling to family ranches in Big Timber, Montana. On December 7, 1946, while studying nursing at Fairview in Minneapolis, Elaine met her lifelong love Vernon, then a student at Luther Seminary. These lovebirds married on March 19, 1948, raising five children together while travelling and living wherever the spirit moved them. Elaine’s compassion and strength was apparent to all who knew her. Her family knew she worked at times as a Registered Nurse, a preacher’s wife, and Sunday school teacher, but to them she was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Elaine is preceded in death by her loving husband Vernon, who passed on Thanksgiving Day 2012, and she fittingly rejoined him on Valentine’s Day. She is also predeceased by brother, Arch Leean; niece, Sharon Leean; and brothers-in-law, Dave Muyskens and George Melby. Elaine is survived by children Paul (Robin) of Neenah, WI; Judi (John) Dahlseng of Lowry, MN; Philip (Jené) of Enumclaw, WA; Peter (Dori) of Golden Valley, MN; and David of Los Angeles, CA; siblings Ann Muyskens, Jean Melby, Connie (John) Seraphine, Joe (Ginger) Leean, Darleen (Randy) Armstrong, and sister-in-law Mary Leean. She was also blessed by grandchildren Jeff (Lisa), Wendi (Andrew), Jessica (Dan), Lance, Mikaila, Skyler (Anne), Anya, Adam, Abe (Esther), Shane, Elias, Karianna, and Serena; and great-grandchildren Zach, Abbey, Megan, Ada, and Morgan. A memorial service for Elaine will be held at 3:30 pm on Sunday, February 21, 2016 in the chapel at Knute Nelson Care Center, 420 12th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Edgewood Vista for their attentive care, love and compassion in caring for Elaine the past six years.

Elaine M. Holte

February 11, 1926 - February 14, 2016