Elaine A. Aarstad

 

Elaine A. Aarstad, 85, died peacefully at home on October 3, 2012 in Redgranite, Wisconsin.  

She was born in 1927 in Amherst, Wisconsin to Alfred and Lillian Hansen, graduated from Amherst high school and Oshkosh (Wi.) Business College.  Elaine enjoyed a successful secretarial career and was active in numerous church, charities and community groups. 

In 1961, Elaine married Rev. Kenneth L. Nerenz and adopted his three young sons.  The Nerenz’s lived in Portage, Wisconsin, Ironwood, Michigan, Racine, Wisconsin, and Sun City West, Arizona.  Kenneth passed away in 1991 and in 1996 Elaine married Dr. Howard Aarstad.  The Aarstads lived in Watertown, South Dakota and Sun City West, Arizona.     

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Helen Johanknecht, husbands Rev. Kenneth Nerenz and Dr. Howard Aarstad, son Peter Nerenz, grandson Jeffrey Nerenz, and nephew Carl Hansen. 

She is survived by her brother John (Lorraine) Hansen, sons Tim (Joanne) Nerenz and David (Anne) Nerenz, grandchildren Erik (Jenyl) Nerenz and Rob Nerenz, nephews Jim Hansen and David (Deb) Johanknecht, and niece Mary (Don) Bratz.  She is also survived by the relatives of the Hansen, Nerenz, and Aarstad families, and many friends. 

Funeral services for Elaine A. Aarstad will be held at Caledonia Presbyterian Church in Portage, Wisconsin at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 12, 2012, with the Rev. Paula Bremer officiating.  Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Farmington Lutheran Church Cemetery in Waupaca.  Visitation at the church will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. 

Memorial donations to the American Cancer Society are appreciated by the family.