Elaine Mae (Olson) Holmes-Jelinek

Elaine Mae (Olson) Holmes- Jelinek of Kewaunee died peacefully on November 1, 2021, at her home, holding her daughter’s hand. She was born on May 21, 1938, in Michigan City, IN to Roy and Florence (Riley) Olson.
She was raised in Chesterton, IN, where she met her first husband, Johnnie Holmes. They were married May 25, 1956. Johnnie worked construction, so Elaine got to live in many different places. When they moved to Kewaunee in 1968, they decided to call it home. Johnnie passed away in 1985.
Elaine was very involved in teaching Sunday school at the church and who could forget her beautiful table settings for church functions. As luck would have it, she would meet Leo Jelinek, and marry him on April 1, 1988. They both enjoyed serving the lord together. She even got Leo to do clown ministry.
Elaine was self-employed most of her life performing client bookkeeping and income taxes. If you were one of her clients, more than likely you would become a dear friend to her.
She so enjoyed decorating her home. Her dining table was always set with matching tablecloths, dishes, silverware, and center pieces from her large collection of dinnerware and silk flowers.
Even with her dementia she still had her sense of humor laughing and joking. She really liked that young man (Leo) who helped her around the house. A big smile would be on her face when any of the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild would stop to see her.
Elaine is survived by her loving husband, Leo; her children Pam Wagner and Jim Holmes; step-children Stanley (Anne) Holmes, Jason (Cassie) Jelinek, Josh (Cindy) Jelinek and Tamara Jelinek; grandchildren Ken (Gena) Vlies, Dusty Vlies, Jessica (Donny) Paral, Laura (Matt) Wotachek, John (Dena) Wagner, Jamie (Andy) Dellemann, Heather (Matt) Wirz, Kim Holmes, Cami Holmes; 16 step-grandchildren; 16 great-children; 18 step-great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sister Kathleen Killingbeck.
She was preceded in death by her step-children Johnnie Holmes Jr., Dorothy Rouse, and Paul Hill; and recently passed brothers Roy Olson and Terry Olson.
The family would like to thank all her caregivers and friends that stopped at the house to see her.
Special thank you to her granddaughters’ Laura and Cami for taking great care of her over the years. She would not have been able to stay in her home without all of your love and care.
Extra special thanks to Leo for all his patience, kindness, and love for our mother and grandmother.
God could not be everywhere, so he created Elaine. Let’s thank the lord for this beautiful person and generations of memories filled with peace, joy, and love.
John 3:16
Friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Friday, November 5 at Buchanan Funeral Home, Kewaunee.  Visitation continues on Saturday after 9:00 a.m. at Commujnity Congregational Church, Kewaunee until the time of services.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joe Baker officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery.
Go to www.buchananfh.com to send condolences or to sign the online guest book.