ELAINE VIK

ELAINE VIK 07/16/1941 - 04/22/2025 Elaine Carole Vik (Rekstad), 83, of Montevideo passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo. Elaine was born on July 16, 1941, to Edwin and Angeline Rekstad in rural Montevideo. She was baptized on August 31, 1941, and later confirmed on May 8, 1955, both at Jevnaker Lutheran Church--a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life. Elaine graduated from Montevideo High School in 1959 and proudly called herself one of the "59ers." She went on to attend Willmar Vo-Tech, where she earned a degree in nursing, beginning a lifelong journey of caring for others at Cannon Manor Nursing Home in Cannon Falls, Augustana Nursing home in Hastings, and Luther Haven Nursing Home here in Montevideo. Her career and life took her to various places including Montevideo, Boston, Mass., Clara City, Cannon Falls, and Apple Valley. On November 3, 2001, Elaine married her high school sweetheart, James Vik, and together they shared a life of love, faith, and companionship. Elaine had a vibrant spirit and a kind heart. She found joy in the little things--searching for treasures at thrift stores and garage sales, getting lost in good books with her book club, and lending her voice to the choir at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Her sense of humor, warm smile, and genuine care for others will be deeply missed. Elaine was a loving mother to her daughter Angela (John) Monson of Dassel and son Kevin (Sandy) Schwitters of Cannon Falls. She was also a devoted stepmother to Jeff (Pam) Vik of Marshall, Pauline (Bill) Kratz of Brookings, S.D., and Dave (Ellie) Vik of Montevideo. Elaine was blessed with four grandchildren, Lauren (Jordan) Schwitters, Melanie Schwitters, Adam (Ali) Monson and Joshua Monson. She also had four ste-grandchildren, Danielle (Mark) Freeman, Megan (Austin) Patzer, Lauren (Chase) Meyer and Britta (Jack) Wagner along with six great-grandchildren with another on the way and five step-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought Elaine endless joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Angeline Rekstad, and her sister, Jenette Krugerud. She is survived by her loving husband James, her brother Larry Rekstad of Fargo, N.D., and her extended family who will carry her memory with love and pride. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Elaine's memory to a charity of your choice or to Our Savior's Lutheran Church Choir Fund where her voice will always echo. Elaine's legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Arrangements were with Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home of Montevideo. www.andersontebeest.com.