Service Details
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Elaine’s 93rd birthday – Wednesday , April 17, 2019 at 12:00 noon in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Javier Guativa officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery – Highway 32.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials are suggested to Saint Lucy’s Catholic Church in Racine or the American Cancer Society.
Racine – Elaine Marie Seidel, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, sister, aunt, friend and traveler, died of natural causes on Friday April 5th, just 12 days shy of her 93rd birthday.
Elaine was a lifelong resident of Racine. She was born there in 1926, to Victor and Amelia Christoffersen. Elaine attended the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Janesville, Wisconsin, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1947. That was a busy year for her, as she started her nursing career while preparing to marry her sweetheart, Bill Seidel the following year, May 1, 1948. Their long marriage lasted nearly 68 years, until Bill’s death in 2016. Together they nurtured and loved four children, Bill (Linda), Diane (Frank Miller), Peggy, and Bob (Bonnie).
For many years, Elaine fulfilled her passion for children and life by working as a delivery room nurse at both St. Luke’s and St. Mary’s Hospitals. She took great pride in how gracefully she balanced raising her family with long nights at the hospital. She ended her nursing career caring for others at the Racine County High Ridge Care Center.
After retiring, Elaine and Bill hit the open road in their Jayco J RV. Elaine loved playing co-pilot and manning the maps while they cruised south to spend winters in Arizona, Texas, and Florida. In her later years, as her physical mobility decreased, she often recounted the magic of those years. Relaxation in warm climates, the open road, and great spans of time with her husband were some of her most cherished memories.
Elaine’s four children and their spouses, six grandchildren and their spouses, and ten great-grandchildren will remember her most as the nexus of the Seidel family social life. She organized and executed epic Christmas parties, birthday celebrations, Easter parties, bike riding parties, and parties for no good reason other than to just be together as a family. She was a cheerleader and celebrator. Chef of exquisite comfort food dishes, cherry jello with bananas and baker of angel food cake of unrivaled delishness, she made sure everyone in her family was well-fed and well-hugged. They always were. This, above all else, is her greatest legacy – the tremendous amounts of herself she shared with those she loved.
A woman of deep faith. Elaine was a dedicated parishioner of St Lucy’s Catholic Church. She was frequently seen with a rosary in her hands. Even in her final days, she kept her rosary close, a true and visible testament to her unyielding belief in God.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents Victor and Amelia Christoffersen, brother Chuck Christoffersen, sister Janice Anderson, brother-in-law Glenn Anderson, and son-in-law Dan Schmidt.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Elaine’s 93rd birthday – Wednesday , April 17, 2019 at 12:00 noon in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Javier Guativa officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery – Highway 32. Memorials are suggested to Saint Lucy’s Catholic Church in Racine or the American Cancer Society.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Home Harbor Assisted Living Community, Lakeshore at Siena and Hospice Alliance for the care and compassion they showed Elaine in her senior years and final days.
J. Flowers says
Dear family and friends, I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m looking forward to seeing God’s promise fulfilled at Revelation 21:4 where it says sickness, pain and death will be no more. I hope this scripture brings you comfort.
Sheila M. Robinson says
It is with great sorrow that I am sending my condolences on your recent loss. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I and would like to share a scripture that has benefited me and many people in time of grief. God reassures us of something wonderful in the Bible at Acts 24:15. It says, “There is going to be a resurrection.” Along with God’s promise to us at Revelation 21:3, 4 of sorrow, death, and pain being done away with permanently.
It is my hope that this bit of information is of comfort to you. Please be sure to find further information regarding the resurrection at: JW.ORG
May God be with you.
Karen and Dennis Stone says
Our deepest sympathy to the Seidel family. We are so sorry for your loss. I remember your mother as a kind and gracious lady. Rest In Peace.
Jodi Sanchez, Kaitlin, Megan & Allison says
Diane and family, the girls and I are very sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you at this difficult time. We remember your mom fondly and are grateful to her for having such a wonderful daughter – you (and family) who brought such joy to our lives. Jodi, Kaitlin, Megan, and Allison
Taylor's says
Condolences to the entire family. Mrs. Seidel was bless with longevity 92 years Psalms 90:10 .May the sadness which you experience now be comforted by great fond memories. May the loyal love of Almighty God be with you all. Warm Christian Love. Acts 24:15
Bill & Laurel Celeste says
May all of your wonderful memories bring you comfort. So sorry for your loss, you have our deepest sympathy.
Ann M Miller says
Diane, Peggy, Bill and Bob (and extended clan),
Your mother was a fixture in my life since the early days of Frank and Di’s budding high school relationship.
I remember her fondly as a gracious host especially of epic swim parties over 40 years ago with great P&J sandwiches (with, I think if I remember correctly, grape jelly).
I was in awe of her especially in her later years – spry and independent. I remember fondly enjoying an early evening cocktail with her in Peggy’s backyard – less than 2 years ago. Your mother seemed ageless to me 🙂
May she find have everlasting peace with Bill and may you all have comfort in knowing that she is looking down on you all.
And to all her grandchildren – especially my dear niece Jennifer and nephew Frank,- may you cherish all the wonderful memories.
I am sending you all my love and prayers.
Vicki and Denny Schutz says
Dear Bob and the Seidel family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. A mother is an important bond that holds a family together, and yours was the best. May the knowledge of no more suffering and the realization that she is once again with her life love, RVing around the heavens bring you much comfort. We apologize for not being with you in your time of grief, but our thoughts and hearts are truley there. May God bless your family and may he always keep the memories alive for you all.
Anonymous says
This is Gregg and Kenya. Our most sincere condolences for and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are for you. Gregg and Kenya
Gregg and Kenya says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies and condolences for you and your family.