Elaine M. Hungerford, lifelong resident of Kaukauna, age 87, passed away peacefully Friday March 13, 2020 at the St. Paul Home with her family by her side. She was born in Kaukauna on April 2, 1932 to the late Herbert and Marion (Denny) Hurst. Elaine married Marlyn “Mert” Hungerford at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on September 10, 1949. He preceded her in death on October 14, 2001.
Elaine grew up with four brothers, attended St. Mary’s grade school and Kaukauna High School. She had a great love of family, faith, and friends. Elaine raised their five children in a home built by her husband “Mert” in Happy Hollow (Cleveland Ave) near the “Hurst Family” home where she was raised. Her happiest place was in “The Hollow.”
Elaine embraced her ancestry; was proud of her Native American heritage and a member of The Oneida Nation. She passed on her passion of family, friends, and heritage to her children, grandchildren and their offspring. Her greatest joy was her family. She also enjoyed making sure the cookie jar was full for her grandchildren, playing cards at the kitchen table, and trips with family to the casino.
Elaine retired at age 78 after a 27-year career (which she loved) caring for residents and building great relationships at the St. Paul Home. She is remembered as a kind, gentle soul with a playful sense of humor.
Elaine is survived by her five children: Gail (fiancé Jack Vande Hey) Grissman, De Pere; Patricia (Harry) Hinchcliffe, Watertown; Kay (Clark) Vander Heiden, Paul Hungerford and John (Toni) Hungerford, all of Kaukauna; grandchildren: Troy (fiancée Monica), Travis (Cindy), Nicole, and Matthew (Paula) Grissman, Tricia (Brian) Kuhn, Fred (Doll) and Amy Hinchcliffe, Angela (Raul) Hernandez, Sarah (Joesph Vignali), Samantha, and Leah Vander Heiden, Amy (David) Kress, Daniel “DJ” (Michaela) Hungerford, Tyler Hungerford, Tara (Jay) Strasburg, Cody (Casey) and Jacob (Stefanie Schuh) Hungerford; 35 great grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; brother, James (Janie) Hurst; and brothers and sisters-in-law: David (Barb), Donald (Germaine), Carol, Donna, and Stella Hungerford. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, and husband Marlyn “Mert”, Elaine was preceded in death by her grandson, Brian Lietzke; grandparents: Daniel and Cassie Denny, George and Mary Hurst; brothers Marvin (Pauline), Richard, and Gerald “Lanky” Hurst, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Julia (John) Weasner, William (Rosie), Ralph (Flona); Milo “Mike” (Bev), Gordon, Elmer, Richard, Stanley, and Arnold Hungerford.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at O’CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main St. Little Chute) beginning at 3:00 p.m. until time of Funeral at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Vincent De Groot officiating.
The family would like to express their gratitude and thank the wonderful staff at St. Paul Home and St. Paul Hospice, who took such loving care of our mom.
