Obit: Downer, Elaine E. (1918 - 2005)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Surnames: Downer, Nietzel, Pietenpol, Walters, Ganther

----Sources: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, WI) November 23, 2005

Downer, Elaine S. (December 15, 1918 - November 19, 2005)

Elaine Downer, age 86, of Neillsville, died Saturday, November 19, 2005, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield.

Elaine S Downer was born on December 15, 1918 in the Town of York, Clark County, the daughter of Floyd and Laura (Nietzel) Pietenpol. She received her education in Granton graduating in 1936 from Granton High School. She attended Neillsville Teacher’s Training School and taught for 15 years in rural Clark County Schools.

She married Leslie Walters in 1943 and was later divorced. In 1952, she moved to Marshfield and worked at Rodis Co., now Marshfield Door Systems, as a secretary for 15 years. In 1973, she married Ted Downer and moved to Neillsville, Wis. Ted passed away in 1974.

Elaine is survived by one step-son, Jack Downer; four step-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; two grand nieces; and one grand nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and a sister, Letha Ganther.

Funeral services for Elaine will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 23, at the United Methodist Church in Neillsville, Wis. Pastor Mary Anne Conklin will officiate. Music will be provided by pat Knudson, organist. Interment will be in the Windfall Cemetery in Granton. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Wednesday at the Church.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Elaine’s family with funeral arrangements.