Elaine E. Metzger

Elaine Estrid Metzger was born on May 29, 1953 to Martin and Geri Flink and grew up in Park Forest, Ill. She graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing with an RN degree and began working in Indianapolis, where she met her future husband, Dan, who was a medical student at the time. They were wed on Sept. 18, 1977.

After Dan did a family practice residency in South Bend, Ind., they moved to work at a remote small hospital in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where they served for six years. Elaine served in various capacities and was dearly loved by nationals and fellow missionaries. Upon retiring from the mission field, they moved to Niles in 1990.

Besides being a homemaker and homeschool mom to their son, she was also board president and later interim director of our local crisis pregnancy center (currently LifePlan). She also served as crew nurse for a six-month stint on the Mercy Ship, was past director of Women's Ministry at Summit Church and held various offices including president of the Four Flags Garden Club. The past several years, she has also worked as a nurse at Southwestern Medical Clinic in the same office as her husband. In spite of all her drive and accomplishments, she was never happier than when she was putzing around in her gardens or hiking with her husband and friends.

She passionately loved her Lord Jesus and was eager to share the good news about him with whomever was willing to listen. Several women have grown in their faith through her mentoring. Having enjoyed good health for most of her 72 years, it came as a surprise when she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in May for which there is not currently any good treatment options. The family is grateful for the compassionate and helpful care provided by Hospice.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel; their son, Jonathan; her brother, Steve (Cathy) Flink; brother-in-law, Harry (Catherine Metzger) and their wonderful children and grandchildren.

Family will gather from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, at Halbritter/Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles. Services will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 24, in Summit Church, 1700 W. River Road, Niles.

Memorial contributions can be made to LifePlan crisis pregnancy center, though "flowers will be welcome." Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online at halbritter wickens.com.