Elaine Kuennen

Monday, August 19, 2024 1:30 am

Elaine Anna Kuennen, 94 of Festina/Ossian, died Aug.17, 2024 at Stoney Brook Village in West Union.

Elaine was born March 24, 1930 on the family farm near Fort Atkinson to Frank X. and Anna Hackman Schmitt. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church, Ft. Atkinson. On Nov. 5, 1951, Elaine was united in marriage to Luke Kuennen. To this union five sons and three daughters were born. They farmed near Festina. They later divorced, and Elaine continued to farm. Elaine was an active member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Festina. In 1985, she began work at Wellington Place, Decorah, and retired at age 81. She was proud to have lived almost her entire life in Winneshiek County.

Elaine is survived by her four sons: Larry (Peggy) Kuennen, Cedar Rapids, Tom (Cindy) Kuennen, Cedar Rapids, Brian Kuennen, Cedar Rapids, and Pat (Rhonda) Kuennen, Mantorville, Minnesota; three daughters: Sue (Dan Ohloff) Kuennen, Elgin, Mary (Dean) Pawlicki, Doylestown, Ohio, and Karen (Dennis) Kleve, Calmar; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and one brother and his wife, Elmer and Dorothy Schmitt.

She was preceded in death by her son Kevin in 1966; granddaughter Lily Kuennen 2018; parents, Frank and Anna (Hackman) Schmitt; son-in-law Jim Massman; siblings: Leonard Schmitt, Clarence and Evelyn Schmitt, Mildred and Cletus Uhlenhake, Luella and Jerome Elsbernd and Francis in infancy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Festina Community Center.