Elaine M. Biery

Elaine M. Biery

Paullina, Iowa

Funeral services for Elaine M. Biery, age 91, of Paullina who passed away at Prairie View Home in Sanborn on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Her funeral service will be 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Paullina with Rev. Donald Meyer, officiating.

Burial will be at Prairie View Cemetery in Paullina.

Visitation with family present will be from 12:30 to 1:15 P.M. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Paullina.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eldridge Family Funeral Home in Paullina.

     Elaine Minnie Rose Biery, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, Iowa, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer and while recovering from hip surgery. Even in rehab, she remained sharp, stubborn, and sweet—just as her family knew her—until God called her home. 

     Elaine was born October 1, 1934, on the family farm outside of Primghar, Iowa, to William and Elma Gaudian. She grew up in Primghar and attended the Paullina Community School, where she learned early the value of hard work, resilience, and speaking her mind—traits that would shape her entire life. 

     On August 13, 1955, she married the love of her life, Donald James Biery. They shared 20 years of marriage, raising six children together before his passing in 1975. Elaine faced life’s challenges the only way she knew how—head-on, with quiet strength and a deep faith. 

     She worked as a med aide at the Wide View Rest Home and County Home, later retiring from the Pride Group in Primghar after 35 years of caring for others. 

     A woman of simple pleasures and consistent favorites, Elaine enjoyed puzzles, the latest episode of Heartland, a good laugh from Steve Harvey, and watching TV at a volume that ensured the entire household stayed informed. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and found comfort and purpose in her faith and community. She is absolutely unforgettable with her steady presence, one-liners, and soft heart under a stern exterior that has created memories her family will cherish forever. 

     Elaine was welcomed into eternity by her husband, Donald Sr.; children Donald Jr. and Jackie Shriver; grandsons Nathan Giese and Christopher Schuknecht; siblings Ron, Wilfred, and Eldred Gaudian, Lavella Nielsen, and brother-in-law’s Ronald “Swede”, Mike, and sister-in-law Betty and JoAnn. She is survived by a large and loving family, including daughters Lacinda (Darell) Johnson, Monica (Doug) Reuter, Sally (Ronald) Schuknecht, and Renee (Jim) Daum, daughter in law Teri Sohn-Boardman; her many grandchildren - Kelli (Jarrod) Harms; Dustin (Tonya) Giese; Shawne (Brianna) Reuter; Zach (Sierra) Reuter; Amanda Daum; Ashley (David) Pratt; Nicholas (Jordan) Daum; Michael (Rachel) Boyd; Jamie Shriver; David (Gretchen) Shriver; Ryan (Gabby) Shriver; Joshua (Taylor) Biery; Kristin (Travis) Schueller; and Chas (Breana) Biery; and her great-grandchildren, who filled her later years with joy and noise in equal amounts. She is also survived by her sister Beverly Weredyk, and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly. 

     The family extends heartfelt thanks to Skylar Hohbach, hospice care team, and the staff at Prairie View for their compassionate care during Elaine’s final journey. Elaine leaves behind a legacy of stubbornness, quiet humor, unwavering love, and a family who will forever be grateful for the years they shared with her. As she often proved, you don’t have to be loud to leave a lasting impact—though it never hurt when the TV was on.

      “Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5