Elaine Gleason

Elaine L. Gleason, age 83,  of Merrill, died Monday August 31, 2009 at Good Samaritain Hospital in Merrill.

Elaine was born February 2, 1926 in Merrill the daughter of the late Fred and Blanche (Gleason) Waldburger. Elaine and Kenneth Gleason were united in marriage July 30, 1946 in Butte, MT. He preceded her in death August 24, 1999.

Elaine graduated from Trinity School. Elaine at just 16 years of age had her own radio show, where she played piano and sang with her brother. She enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, playing piano, music, angels and  spending time with her family. She played with the Family Tradition Band for 30 years. She drove for Badger Taxi, she drove taxi during WWII delivering death notices to people, owned Gleason Bar for 17 years, worked at the 51 Truck Stop, managed 1/2 price store and worked at Wienbrenner Shoe Factory.

Elaine was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

survivors include: 4 children: Sheryl Gleason,

Michael (Sue) Gleason, Mary (Jeff) Gleason, and Kelly Gleason all of Merrill.

10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren

many nieces, nephews and cousins.

she was preceded in death by her infant son Steven, son Patrick, husband Kenneth, brother Fred Waldburger and sister Lois Brooks.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Friday September 4, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev.  David Klemm will officiate. with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Town of Rock Falls. Visitation will be Thursday, September 3, 4-8 pm at Waid Funeral Home and again Friday at the church from 10 am until the time of service.

The Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com