Elaine Jenks

Stoughton- Elaine Jenks began her journey into eternal life on May 3, 2012. Her final wish was honored to return to her home in Stoughton from the hospital. It was her families' honor to share her final two weeks with their beloved mother and grandmother. The last seventeen days of her life were so comforting as she witnessed the togetherness of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The smiles, conversations, and laughter of those final days and nights days will give us treasured memories of our mother forever. Elaine Elizabeth Ehle was known as "Shirley Temple the second" in her childhood years. She sang and tap danced at the Stoughton Opera House. She was also a Hawaiian guitarist and singer performing At WIBU in Portage. She later enjoyed the music of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. On June 7, 1947 Elaine married Roland Oliver Jenks. Rollie and Elaine were the parents of five children; Sheila, Dennis, Ann, Julie and Daniel. Being a stay at home mother seemed to be our mother's lifelong passion. Her energy and enthusiasm were demonstrated in her total love and devotion to us. For decades she was a loyal caregiver to our oldest sister Sheila. Elaine liked to have fun. She loved vacationing to Canada, Colorado, South Dakota and Tennessee. There were the annual vacations to Pelican Lake with her children in years past. She also enjoyed the day trips to casinos in Wisconsin. Her winters were spent with our father in Arkansas; summers at their home in northern Wisconsin. She would say "We have to get together!" which was reflective for her desire to attend family reunions and functions. Mom also loved dogs. She reminisced about her childhood pet "Rover" and in later years cared for her Brittany Spaniels. Mom is survived by her five children: Sheila Jenks, Dennis (Jeanie) Jenks, Ann Hellickson, Julie (Dave) Haried, and Dan (Diane) Jenks. Grandchildren are Atsuko Trieloff and Debi Kennedy; Justin, Wyatt and Emily Hellickson; Matt Haried and Lisa Anderson; and Josh and Becky Jenks. Great grandchildren are Peighton, Gabriel, Gavin, Emma, Kalea, and Hannah. Elaine is also survived by nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Anna (Field) Ehle; her husband, Roland, in 2003; brothers, Ellworth, Lloyd and Owen Ehle; a sister, Evelyn Owens. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton, with Rev. James Koza officiating. Burial will follow in Wheeler Prairie Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon at the Stoughton American Legion, following the burial. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of services Monday at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank Stoughton Hospital and Harbor House for their compassionate care. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the most caring Agrace Hospice Care team ever who helped Mom the last four days of her life. Also, thanks Terry and Jean Littel for being the best neighbors to our mother; You helped her so much!! In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Agrace Hospice.