Elaine Ronnei, 63, Sauk Rapids, MN

Elaine C. Ronnei, 63, of Sauk Rapids, died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital.

Elaine was born on July 8, 1944, in Fergus Falls, to Gordon and Laura (Drechsel) Haarstick. She attended Pelican Rapids schools and received her bachelors degree from St. Cloud State University. Elaine married Eldon “Buck” L. Ronnei in September 1968, at Tonseth Church in Otter Tail County. They raised their family in Willmar.

Elaine moved to St. Cloud in 2005, to be closer to her family.

She loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader and loved creating handmade quilts for her family. Elaine lived her life with grace, dignity and a positive attitude throughout her courageous life long battle with diabetes.

Elaine is survived by her children, Johanna (Gerardo) Ronnei De Avila of Minneapolis, and Andrew (Elena) Ronnei of St. Cloud; siblings, Sue Haarstick of Butte, Mont., Lynn Haarstick of Butte, Mont., Joy Haarstick of Erhard, and Laird Haarstick of Erhard; three grandchildren: Ethan Ronnei, Olivia Elaine Ronnei and Eldon De Avila Ronnei; and several nieces and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Eldon on March 20, 1998, and a sister, Charyl Haarstick.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home

Service: 12 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home chapel

Funeral Home: Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud