Elaine Frances Spanheimer, age 86 of Prior Lake, MN, formerly of Waukesha, WI, passed away March 16, 2022. She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Waukesha, WI.
On May 19, 1935 in Fern, Wisconsin, Elaine was born on the family farm to parents Frank and Frances (Rackowski) Rabeigo. Throughout her life, Elaine maintained her childhood friendships with her classmates from the Fern and Florence area. She enjoyed attending class reunions and reminiscing with others.
Following her graduation from Florence High School, Elaine moved to Milwaukee where she worked at Briggs & Stratton Manufacturing. During this time, Elaine began correspondence with her coworker’s brother, Lawrence, who was stationed in Japan. They exchanged letters until the day Lawrence returned to the United States and they finally met in person.
Elaine and Lawrence were united in marriage on August 22, 1959 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Milwaukee. The young couple settled in West Allis, and then Waukesha WI where they raised their family. Elaine was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother—she was extremely loyal to her family and cared for them deeply. As a family, they enjoyed many summer trips up north to the cabin as well as visiting the Wisconsin Dells and Door County.
As her children grew older, Elaine re-entered the workforce and began a job with a catering company. A woman of deep faith, she also volunteered, delivering meals to the homebound. Her greatest joy, later in life was baking with her Grandchildren who will remember her fondly each time they bake her famous “Grandma Cookie” recipe.
Elaine is survived by her sons, Jeff (Michele) Spanheimer, Les (Michelle Reid) Spanheimer; daughter, Patti (Tom) Rein; grandchildren, Mitchell Spanheimer, Dylan Spanheimer, Rileigh Rein, Kelsie Rein, and Orion Rein; other loving relatives and friends.
Elaine is reunited in Heaven with her husband, Lawrence.
