Obit: Free, Elaine Bertha
(1926 - 2019)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Free, Winter, Marg, Nystrom, Fisher, Anderson, Vincent, Minge,
Ford, Campbell, Rogers, Martinez, Plunkett, Jennings, Holverson, Stockard
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/25/2019
Free, Elaine Bertha (5 May 1926 – 20 September 2019)
Elaine Bertha Marg (Nystrom Vincent Minge) Free of Neillsville, died on
Friday, September 20, 2019, at Riverside Assisted Living.
Elaine was born at home at (what is now) 1012 Hewett Street in Neillsville
on May 5, 1926 to Norma Lydia Winter Marg and Albert Ferdinand Marg. She was
later joined by her three dear sisters: Betty, Deloris, and Shirley Ann. She
loved her little sisters and they remember she made scrapbooks, Valentine
aprons, and other presents for them.
Elaine married Joel “Bruce” Nystrom in 1948. They were blessed with three
children: Shirley Jean Nystrom (Fisher) Anderson, Michael “Bruce” Nystrom,
and Joel Bryan Nystrom. They lived in Oshkosh for several years, then moved
to Pocatello, ID, in 1963, where they were divorced. Elaine married Clarence
Vincent. They were divorced, and Elaine moved to Goleta, CA, in 1965, where
she learned to use the new computer technology and successfully pursued a
career with social services and the local hospital. She married Argyle Minge
in 1969. They returned to the Midwest in 1973 and built their lovely
Pleasant Ridge home, calling it “Hope Ranch.” Elaine worked for Sunburst
Youth Homes and was involved in the Clark County Historical Society, the
Clark County Humane Society, and her church. Her antique and gift shop on
Highway 10 was well known in the Neillsville area. Elaine and Argyle were
known for their hospitality and entertained often in their home. After
Argyle’s death in 1981, she found companionship and love with Robert Free,
marrying in 1984. They enjoyed traveling with their RV before Bob died in
1986. Elaine’s companion in later years was John Ford. He died in 1998.
Elaine was raised in the Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church, but also
faithfully attended the UCC Church and Living Hope in Neillsville in later
years, never doubting that she was God’s child, with full confidence in her
salvation as promised by her dear savior, Jesus Christ.
She was an accomplished dancer, painter, seamstress, and singer. Her legacy
continues in her children and grandchildren, among whom are professional
dancers, musicians, artists, and clothing designers.
Elaine is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Don Campbell) Anderson, son
Bruce (Velma) Nystrom, and son Joel Nystrom. Her grandchildren are Kristine
Anderson of Chicago IL, Eric Anderson of Denver, CO, Stella (Jordan) Rogers
of Birmingham, AL, Uri (Jessi) Nystrom, also of Birmingham, AL, Leelya
Martinez of Moab, UT, and Yarley Nystrom of Portland, OR. Her
great-grandchildren are Akyra McNeely of Utah, Braxton Martinez, Ty
Martinez, Oscar Martinez, Charlotte Martinez of Utah and Elliott Rogers of
Birmingham, AL. She is further survived by her sisters Betty Jean Plunkett
Jennings and Shirley Ann Holverson, and several cousins.
Preceding her in death were her parents, one sister, Delores Stockard, four
husbands, and many friends.
We cannot thank Riverside Assisted Living enough for their loving care over
the past 2 years, particularly in the last month. Our family has grown
through the addition of the caregivers and residents at Riverside.
A service will be held at Living Hope Evangelical Church in Neillsville at
11 a.m. on Monday morning, September 30, 2019. Visitation will be held from
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday September 29, at Living Hope Church and again
from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, also at the church. Lunch will be served
afterward, also at the church. Interment will be in the Town of Grant
Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at
www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Elaine’s
family with funeral arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to the Clark County Humane Society per Elaine’s
wishes. She never met an animal she didn’t love!
