Obituary of Elaine Marie Malek

Elaine Marjorie Malek December 4, 1927 – December 10, 2016 Surrounded by her hymn and carol singing children and husband, Mom passed to the arms of her Lord at 9:30 PM on Saturday, December 10th. Nothing was more important to mom than her family and faith. They were there for her to the end. Mom was the youngest child born soon after her twin sister to Otto and Frieda Nelson in North Dakota on a cold December day. A vulnerable and sick little baby, she was given to the care of her Aunt and Uncle, Ellen and J. Oscar Johnson. She became part of their generous family and they named her Elaine Marjorie Johnson. She thrived on the family farm where Swedish Christmases and holidays meant large celebrations with families and friends. Mom attended school in Tolley, ND and, after graduation, attended college of business in Fargo, ND. She started her career in Minot as a secretary for Reinhard Bros. Wholesale. She met Merton, her future husband in Minot where they married on April 30, 1949. They were blessed with six children, Greg (Billings, MT. wife Jeanie), Susan (Missoula, MT. husband Bill), Steven (Post Falls, ID wife Leanne), Paul (Pocatello, ID wife Jeanie), Jim (Snohomish, WA wife Belinda) and Joan (Caldwell, ID husband Tom). In 1953, the family moved to Baker, MT and Mom dedicated herself to raising her family. In 1966, Mom and Dad left behind many good friends in Baker and moved to Conrad, MT where their ability to form strong friendships again brought warmth and love to their lives. Dad was a banker and Mom an assistant to the county attorney, county clerk and nursing home administrator. After retirement, they moved to Liberty Lake, WA. Mom enjoyed bridge group and water aerobics with our ever present Dad. In November of 2013, they moved to Garden Plaza in Post Falls where they continued to enjoy bridge, bible study, and social events. Family and friends were Mom’s passion. She was blessed not only with six children, but was ever so proud of her 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She will be remembered always as her family carries on her traditions of making lefse, almond roca, doughnuts and dumplings. Uff da! She loved to entertain and attend her grandchildren’s events including sports, music, theatre and graduations. She remained close to her family members in both the Johnson and Nelson families. Her sisters Helen and Edna and brother Kenneth passed some years ago in North Dakota. Her twin sister Marjorie passed away 18 months ago. A memorial service was held for her friends at Garden Plaza on December 12th. A celebration of her life will bring family members and friends together in May. God bless and keep you, Mom.