Elaine Gretschel

Helen Elaine Gretschel, 92, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away on February 23, 2025, at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.

Elaine was born on November 13, 1932, in Alliance, Nebraska, to Carl Anderson and Virgie Mae (Pinkston) Anderson.

Elaine married Roy Elmshaeuser in November of 1949, and they welcomed three daughters, Vicki, Michele, and Wendy. She was a talented seamstress, sewing clothes for her children, and had an eye for style and creativity. She was also a gifted artist and enjoyed painting.

Elaine would later remarry and relocate to Denver and California, where she proved to have a keen sense for business, operated retail stores, and channeled her creativity and eye for detail, from shoes to elegant gowns. Elaine returned to Ogallala after her husband passed to be closer to family.

Elaine is survived by her daughters, Michele Sutton of Ogallala and Wendy (Rex) Christensen of Keystone; grandchildren, Tara Sutton, Quinn Sutton, Alyse (Jason) McEvoy, Teeyl Sutton, Darin Makovicka, Jana (Andy) Thomas, Dane Christensen; as well as eleven great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon Frickey of Ogallala, sister-in-law, Shari Anderson of Ogallala, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Vicki; son-in-law, Allyn Sutton; sisters, Delores Bryant, Bonnie (Bernie) Harms, Carlene (Wayne) Spangler; brothers, Bill and Larry Anderson; and brother-in-law, Ron Frickey.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in memory of Elaine. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ogallala Cemetery, with Pastor Albert Bader officiating. A reception will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran School.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.