Elaine E. Christensen, Age 83, ended her pain and suffering and passed into Gods hands at Manor Care of Appleton on Saturday, February 21st, 2009, surrounded by her caregivers and loving family. Elaine was born April 22nd, 1925, in New London, WI, the only child of Edward and Esther (Schmidt) Hammel and resided in Neenah her entire life until moving to Manor Care in 2005. She loved shopping for things she didnt need, being with her family and friends, playing bingo and trips to the casino. On May 24, 1947, Elaine was united in marriage to Willard Mickey Christensen at Immanuels United Church of Christ in Neenah. They shared 27 yrs of marriage until Mickeys death in 1974. Elaine was also preceeded in death by two long-time companions, Gerald Wagner and Jack Bodde. Little Elaine worked for many years at Bradkes Restaurant, Julies Breakfast Club, St. Marys maintenance staff, and the delis at Mikes Town & Country Market and Piggly-Wiggly of Menasha. Survivors include Elaines six children: Darci Hendrickson, Appleton; Timothy M. (Melissa Shea), Menasha; CayeLynn (Jim) Duchow, Appleton; Junille (Jeffrey) Hintz, Neenah; Barton (Elena Flores-Melo), Neenah; Quentin Louie (Christine), Neenah. Twelve grandchildren survive: Michael Winters, Appleton; Michael Lenz, Neenah; Robyn (Paul) Locke, Menasha; Kerri (Guy) Coons, Menasha; Erin (Chad) Koepsel, Appleton; Timothy Hendrickson, Portland, OR; Andrew (Stephanie) Christensen, Neenah; Steven (Danielle) Lenz, Neenah; Erik Winters (Courtney), Appleton; Andrew Lenz, Neenah; Tierney Hintz (Larry Potter), Neenah; Kaitlyn Christensen, Neenah; fifteen great-grandchildren: Meghan Winters, Gretchen Winters, Orion Koepsel, Drew Christensen, Blake Locke, Hudson Koepsel, Tyler Locke, Blythe Lenz, Ben Coons, Eva Lenz, Andrew Bartels, Brady Coons, Reid Locke, Xavier Lenz, Kamryn Christensen and #16 enroute . Also surviving are two very dear daughters that Elaine raised as her own: Debbie Wagner (Veronica Flower), Appleton; and Diana Wagner (Rita Campbell), Salisbury, MD. Debbie & Diana, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your love, attention, and caring for mother and long hours spent staying with her til the end. Elaine also has two special little boys: Max Flores-Melo and Dakota Shea. The Memorial Service for Elaine will be held on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009, at 7:00 PM, at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home, the Rev. Martin Ruge officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM until the hour of her life celebration and memorial service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. Deepest thanks to all the caring staff members and resident friendships at Manor Care during Moms long stay and to the Heartland Hospice workers. All of you are angels for the work you do. A very special thank you to Hannah Sakowski and her family; John, Paula, Bev and Jim for the kind understanding and extra care for Mom. Mother; You taught every one of us what the true meaning of strength was during your last weeks we have a whole new respect for the word. Its time to put the tap shoes back on your feet, adjust your wings, straighten your halo and tap dance your way across heaven. Make the moon shine brighter, make the sun feel warmer, make the breeze be gentler. You gave us the amazing gift of your sense of humor right to the end so keep them laughing in Heaven Its your new job, Angel! We love you, and youll be in our hearts and memories until we all meet again on the other side. All our Love, Your Family

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