Elaine V. Killian

1927 - 2021

Elaine V. Killian

Elaine V. Killian, age 93, formerly of Menasha and Neenah, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021 in Iron Mountain, MI. Elaine was born on November 10, 1927 in Neenah, daughter of the late Frank and Virginia (Huss) DeBruin. Elaine graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1945. Elaine married Frank Killian on February 4, 1948 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Menasha. They shared 60 years of marriage together before Frank preceded her in death in 2008. After their children were raised, volunteer work became an important part of Elaine's life. Elaine served as a Community Supportive Care worker for people with mental illness. She also volunteered at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center for 35 years and as a hospital Eucharistic Minister for St. Mary's. Frank and Elaine enjoyed many years as members of the Neenah-Menasha YMCA and made many friends.

Elaine's Catholic faith and her family were the most important aspects of her life. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church until her death, even after moves to Valley VNA in Neenah in 2003 and most recently to Iron Mountain, MI in 2019 to be closer to family.

Besides her husband Frank, Elaine was preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law, Ginny (Duane) Lashua, a great-granddaughter, Abagail Lashua , a brother & sister -in-law, Richard (Yvonne) DeBruin and sister-in-law, Pat DeBruin.

Elaine is survived by three children; Michael (Linda) Killian, Patrick (Suzanne) Killian and Sue (Craig) Kuske. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; a brother, Vernon DeBruin, and a sister, Judy (Mike) Zerby; brothers -in-law and sisters -in-law, Joan Jenkins, Joan (Peter) Gaigg, Virgie Meulemans, Barb Killian, Dawn Killian, and Dan (Judy) Killian; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Valley VNA for their dedication and support during Mom's independent living and Victorian Pines Assisted Living in Iron Mountain for their compassionate and loving care of Elaine.

For those wishing, memorials in Elaine's memory are appreciated and can be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church - Menasha, Neenah-Menasha YMCA or Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.

A funeral Mass with visitation prior will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second St., Menasha at a later date. The Mass will also be live-streamed.