Elaine Martin

Elaine J. Martin, 80, of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, February 24, 2022, at her daughter's home in Stoddard, WI. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 27th, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon.

Elaine Jean Martin was born on March 1,1941, in Harpers Ferry, IA, the daughter of Herbert and Norma (Adam) Easley. She attended Harpers Ferry High School, where she played basketball, clarinet, and piano. On November 29, 1958, Elaine married Wayne Martin at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon. They made their home and raised their children in Waukon; she had her own loom and for several decades made rugs for people, including the runners at the Old Courthouse/Allamakee County Historical Society. For 23 years, Elaine worked for the Waukon Standard newspaper, setting up the ads and classifieds. She then went to work at Elliott Jewelers part-time before becoming a full-time grandma.

Her kids, grandkids, dogs, and cats were everything to her; she never missed one of her son's high school or college football games and got to know all of Russ' teammates. Elaine could also be seen around town being walked by her four dogs. She enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and playing softball. Elaine loved to dance and she and her friends were usually the last ones on the dance floor in Waterville back in the day. She liked yellow roses and tulips and resting peacefully while watching the birds. When she hit 60, Elaine developed an adventurous streak and went skydiving, water skiing, and rode in a hot air balloon, but never got around to whitewater rafting.

She is survived by her husband Wayne Martin of Waukon; her two children: Julie (Dean) Penkalski of Stoddard, WI, and Russ Martin of Cedar Rapids, IA; two grandchildren: Chase and Samantha Penkalski; a sister Sandra Stuefen of Cedar Rapids; her cousin and lifelong best friend Maureen Mahoney of Waukon; and her nephews and cousins.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; sister Virginia Easley; and brother-in-law Myron "Pug" Stuefen.