Elaine K. (Engh) Tesdahl

Elaine K. (Engh) Tesdahl, 94, of Clarion passed away Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Memorial services for Elaine Tesdahl will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, 420 First Street Northwest in Clarion, with Pastor Grant Woodley officiating.  Burial will take place at Norway Township Cemetery in rural Kanawha.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Elaine Kathleen Tesdahl was born to John and Alma (Stole) Engh in Norway Township. She was baptized and married at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Elaine graduated first in her class from Kanawha High School in 1941. She graduated at the age of 17 and attended Waldorf and Luther colleges for teacher training. She then returned to Wright County to teach in rural schools.

In 1945, Elaine married Richard Tesdahl.  Together they raised five children of whom she was very proud.  Elaine was an example of goodness, kindness, and optimism.  She loved to laugh and had an easy smile. When she smiled her eyes twinkled and she had amazing dimples.

Elaine was talented in all types of needlework, crocheting, embroidery, making Norwegian bell pulls (for her children and grandchildren) and sewing clothing for her four girls. She baked amazing butter rolls and Kringla, as well as Lefse.  These skills led Elaine to be an exceptional 4-H Leader for many years and all her children were active and successful in 4-H.  Elaine was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church where she was involved in teaching Sunday school, First Lutheran Church Women, Circle and Sew Day.

Elaine is survived by her son Allen (Mary) Tesdahl and daughters Janet (Don) Wendt, Nancy Tesdahl, Caren (Glenn) Nemec, and Kay (Mark) Maffitt; 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.