Elaine Joyce Hines, age 84, of Ellsworth, Wis., died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, at the Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Elaine was born on July 12, 1940, in Red Wing, Minn., the daughter of Kenneth and Charlotte (Krauss) Krause. She attended Herbert School prior to graduating from the Ellsworth High School in the class of 1958. During this time, a young gentleman caught her eye, and the two began to court. On April 9, 1960, Elaine exchanged vows with James Walter Hines at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pepin. This union was blessed with three children: Todd, Sara, and Mark.
Elaine furthered her education at Saint Barnabas Swedish Hospital, where she earned her certification as a licensed practical nurse. She did clerical work for Dr. Jonas, serving the Ellsworth area. Later, she became a teller at Pierce County Bank in Ellsworth, which would eventually become Associated Bank. She retired in 2006 to spend more time with Jim and her grandchildren.
Three words symbolized Elaine’s life: family, faith, and friends. Nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than entertaining friends and family, where she would cook for an army. Without hesitation, they always looked forward to the holiday meal when she would make her renowned ham balls. She enjoyed shopping trips with the girls and was a devoted long-time member of the Eastern Star. Knowing she loved spending time with friends, she always looked forward to her bus trips with her group known as “Chicks On Tours.” For years, these trips brought great laughter as memories were created while traveling to exciting places in and around the state.
Elaine will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Todd Hines, Sara (Greg) Place, and daughter-in-law Diane Hines; her grandchildren, Rob (Tara) Hines, Dan (Nadalie) Place, Jonah Place, Morgan (Dustin) Kowalik, and Heather (Mike) Kersten; her step-grandchildren, Amanda (Jeremy) Kaiser, Eric (Tracie) Albrightson, Kailie Kersten, and Levi Kersten; great-grandchildren Wyatt Place, Sophie Kowalik, Nora Kowalik, Abby Hines, and Blake Hines; step-great-grandchildren Colt Albrightson, Nash Albrightson, and Wilsey Albrightson; her sister, Janet (Ron) Werhnyak; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike (Mary) Hines, Dixie Raehsler, Patrick Hines, Tony (Kathy) Hines, Trudy (Gary) Young, Mary (Mike) Metcalf, Steve (Elise) Hines, Scott (Joanne) Hines, Mary Hines, and Carol Hines; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, James Hines; parents, Kenneth and Charlotte Krause; her parents-in-law, Walter and Avis Hines; her son, Mark Hines; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom Hines, Wilbur “Bill” Hines, Rick Hines, Duncan Hines, Nancy Hines, Doug Raehsler, and niece Anya Werhnyak.
A memorial service will be held at noon Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at English Lutheran Church, located at 229 W. Main, Ellsworth, WI 54011. A gathering of friends and family will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until the noon service. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorials are preferred at the discretion of the family. A special thank you to Pam, Ashley, Haley, Cindy, and all the other Angels at Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation and Adoray Hospice.
Services have been entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, for further details please see www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, or call 715-273-4421.
