Elaine I. Langholff

1931 - 2023

Watertown, WI - Elaine I. Langholff, aged 92, of Watertown, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving children, in her home on Friday, October 27, 2023. A celebration of her life is scheduled for Saturday, November 4th, at Iglesia "Agua De Vida" (formerly known as Windwood Golf Course Clubhouse), from 1:30-4:00 PM, with a special time for sharing memories starting at 2:00 PM. Hafemeister Funeral Home of Watertown is serving the family. Condolences and tributes can be shared online at www.HafemeisterFH.com.

Elaine Ida Ruehlow was born on May 15, 1931, in the Town of Emmet, and was the eldest daughter of Ortwin and Verona (nee Knuth) Ruehlow. When asked about her place among her five sisters, she would often say with a twinkle in her eye, "There were six of us kids within seven years." Growing up during the Depression era, Elaine left home at the age of sixteen to join the workforce. Although she did not complete high school, she remained passionately curious and explored a variety of philosophies pertaining to health and spirituality. She was an impeccable housekeeper and an extraordinary cook, skills she refined while working as a live-in housekeeper and nanny. At the age of 18, she took a position in downtown Watertown, where she was responsible for all the cooking and baking-from scratch-for the Woolworth's lunch counter.

On April 14, 1951, Elaine married Lester Langholff at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lebanon, moving just a mile-as the crow flies-from her family farm to the farm where she would spend the rest of her life. Together, Elaine and Lester took great pride in their Guernsey dairy herd and were pioneers in the area for embracing organic farming.

Elaine was a woman of determination, hard work, and independence. She created stunning vegetable and flower gardens, decorated and restored an 1880's era brick home, and continuously honed her baking and cooking skills. Her cinnamon rolls, in particular, were legendary. A woman of style, she cut and styled her own hair and provided haircuts, perms, and sets for family and friends.

After the tragic loss of her husband in 1991, Elaine persevered, managing the farm on her own. Until recently, she continued to mow her lawn and drive her blue 4X4 stick shift Toyota pickup. Fiercely independent, she fulfilled her wish to live out her days on her beloved farm.

Elaine took immense pride in her family. She is survived by her children, Jean (Dr. Mark) Ritzinger of River Falls, and Dr. Dave (Gabriela) Langholff of Fond du Lac; her grandchildren, Dr. Justin (Amei) Ritzinger of Miami and their children Anne and Maggie, Bridget (Luke) Ritzinger-Taylor of Brooklyn, and Andre Langholff of Fond du Lac; her sisters, Marion Maas and Marcella Pfeifer, both of Watertown; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lester, her brother Ortwin (LouAnn) Ruehlow, her sisters Viola (Don) Key and Irene (Norbert) Willing, and brothers-in-law Marvin Pfeifer and Curtis Maas.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Watertown Memorial Hospital, Rainbow Hospice, and the many neighbors and friends who supported Elaine, making it possible for her to achieve her wish of continuing to live at home.