Racine —Elaine M. Babel, 73, was born into eternal life on Saturday, October 2, 2010 following a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Elaine was born in Highland, Illinois on June 10, 1937 to the late Herman M. and Elfrieda Ann (nee: Flath) Fedder. A 1955 graduate of Collinsville High School, she went on to earn her nursing degree from the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing – St. Louis, MO.

On June 6, 1959 in Holy Cross Lutheran Church – Collinsville, IL, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Rev. Milan Joseph Babel.

Shortly after, Pastor and Elaine accepted a calling to a church in Ontario, Canada. They eventually moved on to serve congregations in Central City, PA and Steubenville, OH before coming to Racine in 1970 to serve and become members of Pentecost Ev. Lutheran Church. Passionate for helping others, Elaine was employed as a nurse at Racine Medical Clinic for over 34 years, retiring on August 1, 2004.

Elaine was a proud member of Pentecost Ev. Lutheran Church where she remained active in the choir, Altar Guild, and as a Sunday School helper. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Among her interests, Elaine enjoyed cooking – especially her trademark "Butterhorns", volunteering and, most importantly, attending activities and events of her grandchildren – her world truly revolved around them!

Surviving are her loving husband of 51 years, Rev. Milan J. Babel; their children, David Babel and Cheryl Lynn (Michael) Wilkinson; grandchildren, Mark & Matthew Babel and Andrea & Alyssa Wilkinson; sister-in-law, Mildred (Steve) Vandrak; her Pentecost Church family; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary (nee: Repak) and Joseph Babel.

Funeral services will be held in Pentecost Ev. Lutheran Church, 2213 Coolidge Ave., on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 10 am with Rev. Carl Krueger and Rev. Luke Jacob officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 5-8 pm and in the church on Friday from 9-10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Pentecost Lutheran Church, Racine Lutheran High School or Concordia Lutheran School have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane and his wonderful staff at Oncology Alliance, Dr. Douglas Evans, and Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support. Also, words could never express how much Elaine appreciated the prayers, cards, visits and many other acts of kindness from family and friends during her journey with cancer. May God bless all of you!