Elaine Phyllis Ader

Ader, Elaine Phyllis. Elaine was born to Mary (Finder) and William Frank on May 24, 1926 in Menomonie, WI. Her father, known as Bill, was a farmer and her mother Mary became an RN nurse. Bill passed away when Elaine was 4 or 5 years old. Mary worked as a midwife and nurses aid to many patients in their homes. Elaine went to live with her grandparents at the Finder farm and her two brothers Bud and Bobby went to live with their cousin Gerald Frank's family.

Elaine attended rural schools then moved into town and graduated from Menomonie High School.

Elaine and Merlyn met at the 400 Dance Club. Merlyn's dad was the bouncer at the club. They danced their whole life together. They were married on June 20 at Peace Lutheran Church. They lived and worked on the Augusta farm and Kelly farm. Dad hauled milk any other farm work and Elaine cared for the chickens and other chores.

Elaine gave birth to Roger on June 15, 1945, then Danny on January 6, 1948 and Kathy on September 6, 1950. They lived in Menomonie on Broadway and on January 1, 1961 they moved to North St. Paul for Merlyn's job opportunities. Elaine stayed home for the first few years and met the neighbor ladies over coffee klatches. She made 1739 Lark Ave our home. She took a job at District 622 School as a cook. She started as a substitute and worked at all the schools. She worked the longest at Hazelwood Elementary and retired from Weaver Elementary.

Elaine had eight grandchildren Jeremy, Ginger, Justin, Tom, Richard, Kristina, Michael and Jill and twelve great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Tyler, Jasmine, Jacqueline, Thomas, Dominic, Chloe, Zachary, Brianna, Bella, Emma and Lilly. If anyone asked her who her favorite was she would answer all of them (and they knew who she was talking about). 

They were invited by cousins Sam and Donna to join a snowmobile club in North St. Paul and made friends easily. Elaine was the one who turned the tv on to watch the Twins and never turned them off if they were losing, but Merlyn would. Together they watched Grand Ole Opry polka music on the F.D.R. channel. Mom liked Danny O'Donnell, but dad not so much. Mom would call cousins Jean and Steve to make sure they were watching Danny O'Donnell.

Merlyn and Elaine joined St. Mark's Lutheran Church in 1961 and attended church with their family. They worked at church side by side, dad doing the dishes and Elaine serving bars she baked for funerals.

They always celebrated their anniversaries starting with 10 and going up to 75. They were married 78 years. They reached many milestones together. The song Tiny Bubbles was sung to them by Don Ho when they went to Hawaii and they considered that their song.

The Pioneer Press ran an article on Merlyn and Elaine on one of their anniversaries as a Valentine story in 2021, set up by cardiologist Dr. Mark Erhard.

Elaine and Merlyn enjoyed attending all school and sporting events at North High for their children. Later, after the  grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born, they attended their events also. Gram always brought her famous chocolate chip cookies as a Birthday gift. The Birthday person had the choose of sharing the cookies with others or not! She liked knitting and gardening and was known for her green thumb especially her violets and orchids.

They sold their home in 2020 and moved to an independent senior living in North St. Paul . Merlyn passed away July 19, 2023. Being a stubborn German, Elaine reached the milestone 100th birthday May 24, 2026, which was celebrated the whole month long.

Through the years Elaine and Merlyn had many Godchildren. They took their role as a sponsor very seriously!  Mom always sent birthday cards, and remembered their "Special Occasions." Their Godchildren are: Char Einum, Peggy Farnham, Brenda Hein, Laurie Lewis, Terri Frank, Tammi Frank, and Cindy Buckley.

Amber, from St. Croix Hospice, was the hospice nurse for both Merlyn and Elaine, and became part of the family for the past five years. Dan, Kathy and Fancy , along with other hospice staff, were by her side when she passed away June 2, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband Merlyn; parents Mary Gugel and William Frank; brothers Albert and Robert; son Roger and daughter-in-law Dawn. She is survived by son, Dan (Cheryl) and daughter Kathy, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

  Celebration of Life Wednesday July 1 at 11:00am with visitation 10:00am at St. Marks Lutheran Church, 2499 Helen St. N, North St. Paul, MN 55109. Private interment.