Elaine F. Putz

Elaine Florence (Denney) Putz, one of God’s most loving children, returned to His arms the evening of October 13, 2025. Elaine, affectionately known as Princess Fun or ‘Mama’, was born in Garner, Iowa to Florence (Ferguson) and Jim Denney February 2, 1937. She was the youngest of four children. 

Elaine married Merlin Putz on July 29th, 1959, after just two and a half months of dating. They fell in love after she served him a cherry pie with a pit in it and were inseparable thereafter, through 63 years of marriage. Elaine dedicated her life to her faith, her husband, and her five children, making memories, playing cards (occasionally “accidentally” cheating), and giggling. 

When Elaine spoke to you, she made you feel that you were the most important person in the world to her. She was warm, hilarious, and thoughtful. No matter what happened, she maintained a positive attitude and always found a way to wake up in the morning with a smile and a laugh. Everyone she met was warmed by her bubbly personality, her zest for life, and her love of those around her. When Elaine was in the room, everyone was drawn to her light and her joy. 

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, her husband Merlin, her son Mark, and her grandson Ian. She is survived by her children: Yvonne (widow of Mark), Michael (Sheryl), Laurie (Robert) Tancula, Martin (Lisa), and Lynne Putz and her grandchildren: Hannah, A.J. (Kate) Hall, Tyler (Stephanie), Cameron (Meagan), Mieka, Rebekah, Patrick Tancula, Joseph (Payge) Tancula, Charlie (Katherine) Tancula, Matthew Tancula, Leah, Nick, Manny, Robert Tarter, and Elaine Tarter. Elaine has six great-grandchildren: Paisley, Adeline, and Emerson Putz, Ezekial Putz, Tyler Ryan and Georgia Lee Tancula.

The Christian Memorial Service for Elaine will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, located at 930 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton. Please plan to remain after the service for a time of celebrating Elaine over a friendly meal. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:30am until the service begins. She will await that glorious day of resurrection at Forest Mound Cemetery in Waupun, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send donations to Mount Olive Lutheran Church.