Elaine Louise Frohling
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Elaine Louise (Vitense) Frohling passed away February 13, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society, Oakes, N.D.
Her funeral will be Wednesday, February 17 at 10 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, Oakes, with lunch to follow at St. John's Lutheran Church, Hecla. Masks preferred. Service livestreaming at www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com.
Elaine was born to Rudy J. and Lois (McCormick) Vitense on July 28, 1930, in Columbia, S.D. Elaine graduated from Columbia High School and attended Northern State Teacher's College in Aberdeen, S.D. After earning her teaching certificate, she taught rural school in Greenfield Township near Hecla, S.D.
Elaine was united in marriage to Ernest "Bud" Frohling on May 22, 1949, at the Vitense home near Columbia. The couple farmed with Bud's brother, Walter, near Hecla. They moved to town in 1981. Bud and Elaine bought the B & E Caf? in Houghton in 1986; Elaine operated the caf? until retiring in 1993. Bud passed away July 27, 2015.
Elaine enjoyed sewing, especially quilt making. Her children, grandchildren and friends cherish the quilts she gifted to them. While on the farm, Elaine loved to spend time riding horse and moving cattle. She and Bud went on many trail rides with family and friends. After retirement she enjoyed summers at their cabin on Clear Lake, where they made many wonderful memories and friends. Elaine's faith was very important to her; she was a member of Peace Lutheran Church.
Elaine is survived by four children: Larry (Shirlee) Frohling, Groton; Gayle (Robert) Lloyd, Hecla; Joel Frohling, Groton; and Ken (Diane) Frohling, Columbia. She is survived by two brothers: Forrest Vitense, Sioux Falls, and Neil (Nan) Vitense, Yellville, Arkansas; four sisters: Shirley Dayton, Aberdeen; Mavis Leif, Sioux Falls; Wanda Stange, Sioux Falls and Murriel (Bob) Oles, Loomis, California; one half-sister: Ione Schelbitzki, Geneva, Neb.; and a sister-in-law, Kathie Vitense. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Ernest; brother, Bob Vitense; two half-sisters, Myrtle Sieber and Myrtis Daly; several brothers- and sisters-in law; daughter, Denise Krueger; and great-granddaughter, Shelby Thayer.