Elaine Brynsaas

Elaine Brynsaas, age 77, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Monday, March 25, 2013, at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2013, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in the Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, Iowa. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, and also from 9:00-10:00 a.m., on Thursday morning at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah. Elaine Margaret (Baumler) Brynsaas was born on March 2, 1936, the daughter of Martin and Esther (Schott) Baumler in St. Lucas, Iowa. Elaine moved with her family to the Burr Oak area and graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Canton High School in 1954. Elaine was united in marriage to Arlin Brynsaas on December 11, 1954 at St. Agnes-Plymouth Rock Catholic Church, near Burr Oak, Iowa. Together they farmed near Decorah and operated Patz Sales and Service beginning 1961. Elaine served as the secretary for the business until retiring in 1980. Elaine enjoyed bowling, quilting, playing cards, traveling, and playing the slot machines at the Boat and in Las Vegas. Most of all, Elaine loved her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Elaine was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church and St. Martha Circle, and helped with the Wellington Ladies Auxiliary. Elaine is survived by her two children: Randy (Kristi) Brynsaas, Decorah, IA, and Patty (Jim) Tollefson, Decorah, IA. Four grandchildren: Bonnie (Dennis, “Junior”) Boyer, Melisa (Erick) Cox, Nick (Sarah) Brynsaas, and Ryan (Becca) Brynsaas. Nine great grandchildren: Briana & Britlyn Boyer, Sophia & Gabby Cox, Grace, Olivia & Nora Brynsaas, and Annika & Henry Brynsaas. Six siblings: Floyd Baumler, Rochester, MN; Larry Baumler, Burr Oak, IA; Donna Koperski, Rochester, MN; Art (Karen) Baumler, Zumbro Falls, MN; Diane (Paul) Schmelzer, Ridgeway, IA; and Sharon (Ron) Wiltgen, Gaylord, MN. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents: Martin and Esther (Schott) Baumler. Her husband: Arlin Brynsaas in 1998. One sister and brother-in-law: LaVonne and Florian Gehling. One brother: Virgil Baumler. One sister-in-law: Joyce Baumler.