Elaine M. Berger, age 67 of Durand, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at her home in Durand.

Elaine was born on April 2, 1948 to Anton and Lucian (Radle) Bauer. She was the first child of 11 and took on a nurturing role at a young age. Elaine attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Lima and was the last graduating class in 1966. After high school, Elaine attended Chippewa Valley Technical College in Menomonie for nursing. Over the years, Elaine held various jobs in the area. Elaine met her life partner, William “Willy” Berger. Together they enjoyed farming in the Lima Township. They also took many daily rides to go see friends. William passed away in December of 1991. Elaine sold Avon Makeup for 25 years. In 1995, Elaine started driving bus for the Durand School District and to her final day, she had and cherished her Lima route.

Elaine enjoyed her flowers, the animals on the farm especially her donkeys, Willy and Skeeter. She was everyone’s second mother, she was nurturing, compassionate and caring for everyone. In the Durand area most everyone rode on Elaine’s bus, whether it was sporting events or life celebrations. Most of all, Elaine loved spending time with family and friends.

Elaine is survived by mother; Lucian Bauer of Durand, six sisters; Janet (Tim) Goss of Ooltewah, TN, Deb (Lonnie) Richardson of Arkansaw, Sue (Tom) Arkansaw, Mary (Doug) Sinz, Jackie (Don) Danzinger, both of Durand, and Annie (fiancé Brad Bauer) Konsela of Arkansaw, three brothers; Mike (Audrey) Bauer of Eleva, Gerald Bauer of Durand and Tony (Diane) Bauer of Eau Claire, nine stepchildren; Rick Berger, Ron (Kathy) Berger, Greg (Christy) Berger, Doug Berger, Lori Snapp, Sharon Berger, Karen (Bob) Berger and Bill (Kristen) Berger, all of Durand, Milly (Karl) Goethel, of La Crosse, 30 nieces and nephews, 33 great nieces and nephews, many step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her father; Anton, husband; Willy, one sister; Darlene Bauer and one nephew; Scott Bauer.

Funeral Mass will be 11:30 AM Monday, December 21, 2015 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in Durand with Rev. Lawrence Berger officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Diana Bauer December 23, 2015, at 5:35pm

   I was saddened by Elaine's death. I graduated with her and she was a lovely, fun loving girl way back even then. We had a lengthy conversation a few years ago when she drove bus for a class trip. Condolences to her family.

2. Matthew P Chilson December 22, 2015, at 1:01pm

   Thank you Elaine for always waiting at our driveway those mornings we were running late to the bus. You were always warm towards us as teenage kids. Every morning that we climbed into your bus, you would brighten our day with a cheerful smile and greeting. Thank you for being a part of our lives, as we journied to school, and always taking us safely wherever the big yellow bus would roll.

3. Nadine Schuh December 20, 2015, at 12:06pm

   I was saddened to hear of Elaine's passing. We were in the same class in High School.

   Death is not the extinguishing the Light:
   it is putting out the lamp because the
   DAWN HAS COME !!!

4. Michael Weber December 19, 2015, at 11:08am

   Our condolences to to Elaine family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

   Mike and Barb Weber nfrysffu

5. Mary Bauer tuneCooper December 17, 2015, at 4:29pm

   To Elaine's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Elaine as just such a nice, sweet, person. I will pray for her.

6. Colleen F Garnevicus December 17, 2015, at 7:15am

   Elaine was always kind, loving, and fun. She will be missed! Our prayers and thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.

7. Betty McRoberts December 17, 2015, at 5:51am

   Elaine was my friend and I will miss her. I have many memories of bus trips beginning with Chick Christmas where there was always an extra gift for Elaine. Even in bad health she was always beautifully dolled up. Rest in peace my friend.
   Betty Mac

8. Dianne Bauer December 17, 2015, at 4:24am

   You have my deepest sympathy

9. Patti Baier December 17, 2015, at 2:34am

   Such bad news. Loved her. Everyone will miss her. My prayers go out to her family.

10. Laura Boese December 16, 2015, at 7:30pm

    Hugs to you all-i will miss Elaine and her chatting at the store!!She was a great person and my good friend!!RIP Elaine till we meet again!!

11. Patricia Cataract December 16, 2015, at 7:22pm

    So sorry for your loss. Elaine was such a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed, but in a much better place now.

12. Amber & Brad martinson December 16, 2015, at 7:00pm

    Sorry for your loss. Thinking of the entire family!

13. Michelle Peterson December 16, 2015, at 6:56pm

    So very sorry for your loss, she was a very nice ladie

14. John and Patty Wayne December 16, 2015, at 6:54pm

    Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to all of Elaine ' s family, all of you's are in our prayers..May she rest in peace

15. Pat & Joyce Mulheron December 16, 2015, at 6:05pm

    Sympathy and prayers to the family of Elaine.

16. Kathie Loewenhagen December 16, 2015, at 5:33pm

    We had a lot of great conversations. You were a wonderful person. To know you was to love you!! You will be m missed by many!!

17. Judy john parr December 16, 2015, at 4:24pm

    Rest in peace, our prayers go out to help

18. Brenda waldvogel December 16, 2015, at 4:16pm

    I always loved seeing you and Willie .you will be missed

19. Sarah yoder December 16, 2015, at 2:21pm

    U will be missed dearly! U were such a sweet lady...I was so blessed to get to know u! My tuesdays will never be the same without seeing u! Rest in peace sweetheart! I will miss u tons! Prayers to the family!

20. Walter Hovland December 16, 2015, at 1:52pm

    Such sad news. My heart and prayers go out to the family. Elaine was such a kind loving person I will Miss her so much. Heaven just got one of the good ones
    God Bless!!

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