Elaine Jeanette Sanders, age 98, of Owatonna

Elaine Jeanette Sanders, age 98, of Owatonna died Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center in Waseca.

Elaine was born on April 4, 1927, in Owatonna, the daughter of William and Rose (Prokop) Pachl. On June 4, 1946, she was united in marriage to Edward “Dick” Sanders. The couple farmed west of Owatonna. Upon retirement from farming, they moved to Ripple Lake near Aitkin for 20 years and then returned to Owatonna. Elaine and Dick enjoyed wintering in San Juan, Texas for over 40 years.

Elaine was a homemaker for her family and a devoted member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Owatonna. She enjoyed baking banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, crocheting, playing cards and family time at the lake.

Elaine is survived by her two children, Jim (Judy) Sanders of St. Francis and Diane Wiskerchen of Ellsworth, WI; grandchildren, Bryce Butler, Brant Sanders, Matthew Sanders, Dawn (Jamie) Follstad, Brian Wiskerchen, Michael Wiskerchen and Birgitte Wiskerchen; nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Phyllis Urch of Owatonna; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Dick; son-in-law, Larry Wiskerchen; grandson, Christian Wiskerchen; one brother; and three sisters.

A Celebration of Elaine’s Life will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Owatonna or Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center of Waseca. Please visit www.michaelsonfuneral.com to leave an online condolence for Elaine’s family.