Elaine Zielke
1955 – 2024

Elaine was the only child born to Lester and Alma (Behrens) Hanson. She had two half-brothers, Don & Dale Kahle. She was raised on a farm in Oswego until 1967 when she moved with her parents to Aurora. That is where she met her best friend, Carol Zielke, who introduced Elaine to her cousin, Norm. Before long, Elaine had developed a long-lasting teenage crush and they were married 10 April 1976. They moved into their home on Fays Lane in Sugar Grove in 1979 and lived there the rest of their lives. Elaine and Norm had four children (Lisa, Brian, Michael & Laura) and twelve grandchildren.
Elaine enjoyed being a part of the Sugar Grove community and loved her Dugan Woods neighborhood. She participated in various types of volunteer work, was involved in Cub Scouts and served as a Girl Scout leader for several years. She was also a devout and dedicated member of Cross Lutheran Church in Yorkville and received great joy singing in their choir, preparing special meals for the staff, and taking part in her Bible study. An exemplary Christian, Elaine was friendly, compassionate, and service-oriented. She never knew a stranger. She could, and would speak to everyone; especially if they had a pet. Anyone who really knew her will remember her big smile, her laugh AND her ability to make others laugh.
She loved music of all kinds, but especially the Christian music she always had playing in her home, and the oldies from the 1960s/70s that brought back a myriad of memories from our Junior High and High School days. The background music on this MemoryGram was written and sung by her favorite Monkee, Mike Nesmith. It’s also the last song he sang at the concert we attended just a few weeks before his passing. It was a special time for us. She spent her final years, after Norm’s death, with her children, attending grandchildren’s sporting events, reconnecting with old friends from the East Aurora Class of ’73, and taking road trips as part of the Gallivanting Grannies with Carol.
Her life ended abruptly on 12 October 2024, when she was struck by a hit and run driver while walking her pups through the neighborhood. She was prepared to meet her Savior and was probably overjoyed to be reunited with her parents, brothers, numerous other friends and relatives, but most especially the love of her life, Norm. While those of us who loved her still miss her dreadfully, we’re all grateful to have had her in our lives and will continue to cherish the memories. She may be gone, but will certainly not be forgotten. Until we meet again, Buddy, we love ya.