Elaine Midlikowski

Elaine Marie Midlikowski, 94, a former resident of the Wausau area, died Monday morning, January 25, 2021 at Ellen’s Home assisted living in Germantown, WI, with loving family by her side.

Born May 19, 1926 in Wausau to Elmer and Belinda (Helke) Kahn, Elaine was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Evangelical Church (now UCC) in Wausau.  She graduated from Wausau High School in 1943 and was employed by the local telephone company for three years after graduation.

Elaine married Arthur M. Urban September 21, 1946 at St. Paul’s Church in Wausau. Arthur died in an industrial accident September 30, 1956. Elaine married Edmond B. Midlikowski February 6, 1960 in Pine City, MN. He preceded her in death on May 15, 2011.

From 1972-1991, Elaine proudly served as church secretary and administrative assistant to the pastors and parishioners at Peace United Church of Christ in Schofield.  She enjoyed her involvements with her church family, producing weekly newsletters, serving on committees, singing in the church choir for 37 years and with smaller groups including a quartet of women.

Elaine loved to spend time with family and friends, polka and waltz whenever she got the chance, volunteer her time and talents to benefit church and community, read, write, watch rainbows and hummingbirds and grow flowers.  She took piano accordion lessons as a child, playing solos and duets with her teacher at rural school PTA meetings and with a band as the only accordion along with strings, horns and drums.  From childhood through her adult years, she enjoyed many wonderful times at the family cottages built by her parents at Silver Lake in Lincoln County.  She enjoyed decorating, sewing, and making crafts and gifts for her friends and family.  She was a passionate knitter, not only for family and friends, but also as a volunteer knitter for the “Warm Up America Program”, making sweaters for underprivileged children.  She made countless prayer shawls for the church and for  Aspirus Hospital.

After retirement, Elaine and Ed spent many winters with family in Florida as snowbirds.  Elaine lived in the Wausau area for 89 years before moving in 2015 to Menomonee Falls and Germantown to be closer to family.

She is survived by five children, Susan (Rufus R.T.) Moore of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Lynn Urban of The Villages, FL, Jill (Donald) Jacques of Jacksonville, FL, Julie (William) Maes of Eden Prairie, MN and David (Theresa) Midlikowski of Germantown, WI; seven grandchildren, Lisa Bacon, Stacey (Dwayne) Williams and Corey (Crystal) Maire of Florida, Benjamin (Rebecca) Midlikowski and Samuel Midlikowski of Wisconsin, Kathryn Maes and Alyssha Maes of Minnesota; four great grandchildren, Kelsey Bacon, Kyle Justice, Janel Williams and Hunter Williams of Florida; her brother, Richard L. Kahn of Prior Lake, MN, as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; infant brother, Robert Kahn; niece Sarah Jane Kahn; and son-in-law Michael Davis.

The family is grateful for the love shown to Elaine by her Peace Church family over the years, including after she moved from the Wausau area. Much appreciation also goes out to the loving staff at Ellen’s Home in Germantown and to Horizon Hospice.

A private family funeral service will be held at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, Weston.  Rev. Gloria Van Houten of Peace United Church of Christ, Schofield, will officiate.  Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Wausau.  The family intends to have a Celebration of Life after the current health crisis has been addressed. The funeral will be live-streamed on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. by clicking on her obituary at brainardfuneral.com

Memorials may be directed to Peace United Church of Christ, 1530 Grand Ave. Schofield, WI  54476.

Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  You may leave messages and condolences for her family at brainardfuneral.com