March 20, 1926 – April 14, 2011


R. Elaine Winchell of Pewaukee went home to her Lord on Thursday, April 14, 2011, at the age of 85. Elaine was born March 20, 1926, the daughter of Dale and Minnie Clark in Catawba.

Elaine will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 63 years, Burt; children, Terry (Nyla) of Sterling, Ill., and Wendy (Brian) Lynch of Hartland; grandchildren, Dustin, Dale (Kelli), Daniel and Breanne; step grandchildren, Nicole and Erik; great-grandchildren, Keegan and Trinity; sisters, Joyce "Bubs" Rahn of Minnesota and Gwen (Melbert) Schneider of Burlington; brother-in-law, Ken (Audrey) Winchell of Mercer; sistersin-law, Betty Letts of Waukesha and Esther Bruce of Nashotah; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Elaine was preceded in death by her brother, Burnett Clark; sisters, Leona Odegaard and Florence Franklin; and a niece, Sylvia Odegaard.

During her professional career, Elaine worked as an accountant and office manager. Elaine had many creative talents and especially enjoyed crafting, playing casino games, reading, Facebooking, traveling and spoiling her grandchildren. She possessed a perseverant attitude, never letting her physical limitations interfere with her enjoyment of a very active life. Elaine was a longtime member of the Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. memorial service Sunday, April 17, at the Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ, 413 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha. The Rev. James Gorman will be officiating. Burial will be private at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Evangelical and Reformed Church of Christ (see address above) or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For the online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com, or call 542-6609.