Racine – Elaine Josephine (nee: Carls) Verhegge, age 82, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Care Center on Monday, January 24, 2022.

Elaine was born in Racine on June 15, 1939 to the late Henry E. and Margaret M. (nee: Tasquin) Carls. She was a 1957 graduate of St. Catherine's High School.  Elaine was united in marriage with the love of her life, James F. Verhegge, on September 13, 1958 in Holy Name Catholic Church. Jim passed away almost one year ago to the day on January 25, 2021.

During her working career, Elaine was employed with Council House of SC Johnson Wax  for over 26 years and by DeKoven Foundation for 12 years. Elaine & Jim were longtime, loyal & active members of the St. Lucy Catholic Church community where they actively attended daily mass. They enjoyed turning & revolving together with the Circle 8 Square Dance Club for over 20 years. They loved animals, had rescued countless numbers of strays over the years and welcomed them into their home with open arms.  Above all, Elaine & Jim loved spending time with their entire family, especially their grandchildren. They are now at peace and back together again.

Surviving are their children, Joyce (Tim) Hempel, Dave (Donna) Verhegge, Pam (Shawn) Fellion and Dawn (Steve) Tuma; grandchildren, Christine (Andy) Spaulding & Sarah (Travis) Nielsen; Kevin, Craig (Danielle) & Jordan Fellion; Lauren & Matthew Tuma; 7 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard Verhegge; sister-in-law, Eileen Carls; nieces, nephews, church family & friends – too numerous to mention all by name. In addition to her parents, Elaine was greeted in Heaven by her loving husband, Jim; brother, Ray Carls; sister-in-law, Cindy Verhegge; nephew, Don Carls; and by Jim's parents, Frank & Ann (nee: Carmen) Verhegge.

PUBLIC visitation will be on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. PRIVATE family services will follow in the funeral home at 11:00 am with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to St. Lucy Church, "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" of Utah, or to "Guiding Eyes For The Blind" have been suggested.