Elaine T Norrish
Elaine Theresa Norrish, 95, of Rock Falls passed away Tuesday December 10, 2024, at Dove South Healthcare in Eau Claire, WI.
Elaine was born on August 9, 1929, at home in rural Lima. The middle child of Frank and Josephine (Bauer) Falkner, Elaine grew up on a farm attending Lima School, graduating in 1947. After high school, Elaine worked at Security National Bank in Durand. She married Lowell Norrish of Rock Falls on May 12, 1951, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima. They moved to their farm in 1954 and raised five children.
Elaine faithfully taught CCD and was an active volunteer in all aspects of St. Joseph Catholic Church-Rock Falls for many years. Elaine was a member of the Tri-County Homemakers and enjoyed baking, cooking, crocheting, knitting, playing cards, gardening, canning, and sewing. She sewed most all her own square-dancing clothes, and many outfits for herself and her family. Elaine loved people through preparing copious amounts of food and dishing up unrequested, but appreciated, second and third servings. Lowell and Elaine loved traveling and square dancing. They enjoyed many destination bus trips and trips to see family in Montana and California.
Elaine is survived by four of her five children Charlene (LeRoy) Books of Whitefish, MT; Randy of Rock Falls; Ron (Laurie) of Livermore, CA; Karen (Tim) Troyer of Stanley; daughter-in-law Judy of Durand; 12 grandchildren LeAnn Books, Brandon (Michaela Mckeown) Books, Scott (Kim), Brad (Alea), Holly (Damon Berg), Christina, Amanda, Shawn (Devin) Troyer, Ryan (Zaakira) Troyer, Jody (Pete) King, Tami Books, Jodi (Harley) Bettendorf; 12 great grandchildren, Jackson, Kane, Lauren, Adria, Kendan, Grayson, Lucas, Katherina, Jamie, Jake, Brayden, Aaren; brother-in-law Dennis (Cherilyn) of Rock Falls, sister-in-law Darlene Bauer of Durand, nieces, and nephews. Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, Lowell, of 66 years, her son Roger, daughter-in-law Jane, her parents, sister Anna Marie (Verlin) Crockett; brother Frank (Jean)Falkner; sister-in-law Dorothy (Bob) Prissel, and brother-in-law Ralph A. Bauer.
The family would like to thank Mayo of Eau Claire and Dove South for their care of Elaine in her final days.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Thursday December 19, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Falls. Rev. Tim Welles will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00PM – 7:00 PM Wednesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.