Elaine Marie Wencl

Elaine Wencl, 93 of Coon Rapids, formerly of Alexandria, passed away at her home at Epiphany Assisted Living on April 16, 2025. Funeral services will be held at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria on Friday, April 25, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM with a public visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Carlos Prairie Cemetery in Carlos following a funeral luncheon at the funeral home.

Elaine Marie Sanders was born on October 28,1931 in Owatonna, Minnesota the daughter of Lloyd and Elvera (Reul) Sanders. She grew up in Owatonna graduating from Owatonna High School in1949. She liked to dance and met her future husband, Charles, at a dance. Charles and Elaine were married September 13, 1950 in Owatonna.

Elaine and Charles started their married life in Owatonna. They made several moves while Charles worked for the Railway Express Agency and eventually moved to Alexandria in 1961. This became the family home as they enjoyed the lakes and the outdoors. She liked to fish and hosted many fish fries at the lake. Over the years, Elaine served in church as a Sunday School teacher, ladies aid, nursery attendant, and a 4H leader in the community. For several years Elaine worked for Playhouse Toys and traveled for house parties to demonstrate and sell a variety of toys and gifts.

Elaine was an avid knitter for many years. Many family members and friends were recipients of her knitted items such as baby blankets and Christmas stockings. She also received recognition for 40 years of volunteering at the Douglas County Hospital Gift Shop.

She loved playing cards and a wide variety of games with family and friends. She especially enjoyed being a "winter Texan" and spent 25 winters in the Rio Grande Valley, making many friends from around the country.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; parents, Lloyd and Elvera; brothers; Melvin (Jean) and Edward "Dick" Sanders, and brother-in-law, Duane Urch.

She is survived by children, Chuck (Mandy) Wencl of Alexandria, MN, Ron (Anita) Wencl of Ham Lake, MN, Linda (Pat) White of Stacy, MN, and Mark (Darcy) Wencl of Plymouth, MN; grandchildren: Michelle Wencl, Mike (Kelly) Wencl, Jeff (Jenna) Wencl, Doug (Lindsey) Wencl, Craig White, Laura White, and Lucas (Maddy) Wencl; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Urch of Owatonna; sister-in-law, Elaine Sanders of Owatonna; brother-in-law, Greg Dulas of St. Paul; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIALS TO GRACE HOSPICE OR EPHIPHANY ASSISTED LIVING ARE PREFERRED.