On Saturday, July 1, 2017, Elaine P. Roman, age 84, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN. She was a resident of Shakopee, MN and formerly of Belle Plaine, MN.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 22, at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am. A luncheon will follow the service. All activities will take place at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833 South Marschall, Road, Shakopee, MN. Elaine will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
The life of Elaine Pearl started on September 18, 1932, on the family farm in rural Blakeley, MN. She was born to parents Arthur and Florence (Daniels) Otto. Elaine was the oldest of three daughters. Growing up on the farm meant countless hours of hard work and dedication, but Elaine found that singing made the farm tasks more enjoyable. She attended District 40, a small country school and Belle Plaine High School. In high school, Elaine enjoyed choir, and was a proud graduate in 1950. After graduation, Elaine earned a LPN Degree and worked at several hospitals in Minneapolis, and later at a nursing home in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
While looking over song options at the juke box, a young soldier, named Donald J. Roman approached Elaine. It was instant love. Three months later, on April 24, 1954 they eloped to Northwood, Iowa and exchanged wedding vows. Over the course of Don’s military service years, they lived in German and throughout the United States, where they welcomed and raised their children. Unfortunately, in 1963, Don passed away unexpectedly at the age of 30, leaving Elaine to raise her children on her own. But this did not stop her; Elaine approached life even stronger and more determined to assure that her children were taken care of, providing food for the table and a roof over their heads.
In 1970, Elaine decided she needed a change in her life and headed to North Carolina, with her children. Elaine spent over 20 years, working as a co-owner of the Frontier Bar; although, the majority of her career was spent in the accounting department at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, and later, Coastal Chrysler Auto Dealership. Moving back to Minnesota in 1992, she enjoyed a long career as a property manager in Shakopee, Savage, and Minneapolis.
In her free time, Elaine enjoyed painting, especially ceramics. She enjoyed collecting birdhouses, reading books, particularly those authored by Janet Evanovich, and traveling with friends in her later years. Family was most important to Elaine. She relished each close relationship with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine relished Christmas’ filled with laughter, food and great memories. She enjoyed cooking and baking with her family too.
Life for Elaine was simple, yet extremely hard at times, raising eight children on her own, and never owned a driver’s license. She didn’t let life get her down; she remained strong, determined and faithful to her family.
The legacy of Elaine is left to be carried on by children, Jacqueline (Bruce) Wuollet, Patricia Phillips, Lori (Joe) Eickholt, Donald Roman, Richard Roman, Craig Roman, Christopher (Laurie) Roman; son-in-law, Brad Nelson; grandchildren, Angie (Brad Pepin) Greene, Ronald “Skip” (Kristin) Greene, Scott Roman, Jamey (Jeff) Ellis, Bryan (Jenna) Archibald, Stephanie (Joe) Phillips, Cassandra Roman, Matthew Roman, Drew (Nichole) Nelson, Laura Nelson, B.J. Wuollet; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Carol Rodriguez and Cheryl (Ronald) Nagel; as well as many relatives and friends.
Elaine is welcomed into heaven by her husband, Donald Roman; daughter, Sharron Nelson; parents, Florence and Arthur Otto; and son-in-law, Steve Phillips.
The Roman family was proudly served and cared for by Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
