Elaine Jane (nee Lavelle) Hanrath passed into God’s loving arms peacefully on Monday, June 20, 2022 in Fairhope, Alabama, at age 97.
Elaine was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Hanrath in 2004; second husband, Bill Haring in 2022; son, Tom Hanrath; grandson, Ariel Hanrath-Clark; and brother, Don Lavelle.
Elaine is survived by her daughters, Lanie (John) Dustin and Susan (Rich) Kolbe; son, Jon (Kendra) Hanrath; and her daughter-in-law, Kathy Hanrath. She also has eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.
Elaine was born on June 3, 1925 in Michigamme, Michigan, and attended school in Escanaba, Michigan. Her family later moved to Kenosha, where she met and married Frank Hanrath in 1944. They lived in several Wisconsin towns during their marriage, including a 20-year stay in Marshfield before retiring in Baileys Harbor in 1985. After Frank passed away, Elaine married Bill Haring in 2008. They spent the last years of their lives in Fairhope, Alabama, near Bill’s family.
Elaine loved God and her family most of all. She also enjoyed painting, rosemaling, sewing, and singing in church. Friends and relatives will always remember her beaming smile, quick wit, and riotous laughter. It was always a treat to receive one of Elaine’s hand-written letters, which she wrote almost daily, even during her last year of life.
Elaine’s dream was to have a home in Door County where she could see the sunrise. Frank and she lived that dream together for almost 20 years. According to her wishes, her ashes will be placed next to his in Baileys Harbor. The plaque on Elaine’s urn reads, “Now the mystery begins.”
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