Elaine B. Bohrtz

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not of yourselves, it is a gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Elaine B. Bohrtz, age 93, Appleton, Wis., was called to her eternal home on Friday, January 21, 2022. She was born July 29, 1928 in the town of Holland, Brown County, Wis. to the late Charles L. and Elsie (Spietz) Bohrtz. On August 28, 1928, she received God's gift of Holy Baptism. On June 21, 1942, she confirmed her Baptismal vows at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wrightstown, Wis. As a member of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Appleton, she served as a Greeter, on the Altar Guild and Evangelism/Outreach Committee, and participated in many Bible study groups.

Elaine was a graduate of the 1946 class of Wrightstown High School, and was employed in the Agency and Field Communications Divisions at Aid Association of Lutherans/Thrivent Financial, Appleton, Wis. She retired as Field Advertising Administrator on December 31, 1987 after 38 years of service.

In her retirement, Elaine worked as an Election Official in Appleton for 15 years, and also had many creative interests, especially enjoying the FVTC Quilting Techniques group for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, cross-country skiing and golfing with the AAL Women's Golf League. Many wonderful travels were enjoyed to most states, as well as cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. Time in Atlanta and summers in Door County were her favorites. Two visits with special cousins in Europe, and a WELS tour to Lutherland and the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany were her most memorable trips.

Church and family came first for Elaine. She was blessed with caring nephews and their families who also included her in their events. She treasured her time with many great-nieces and nephews, to whom she was known as "Auntie."

Elaine is survived by nephews Marvin (Judy) Bohrtz and family Steve (Amanda) Bohrtz, Brian (Jenny) Bohrtz, Katie (Nick) Ruppenthal; Ralph (Rozanne) Bohrtz and family Heather (Nick) Mayer, Josh (Jaime) Bohrtz, Jacob (Melissa) Bohrtz, Hannah (Ben) Mwai, Jesse (Meghan) Bohrtz; Robert Bohrtz; Don (Joan) Treichel and family Joe (Lindsay) Treichel, Kris (Adam) Thomas; David (Sandy) Treichel and family Brett (Kellie) Treichel, Bethany (Sean) McCullough, Blake (Clare) Treichel; many great, great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Wilmer (Esther) Bohrtz; sister Evelyn Treichel-Hennig; brothers-in-law Wilbert Treichel and Marlin Hennig; her nephew Darrel Treichel; niece-in-law Julie Treichel and great, great niece Faith Thomas.

The Christian funeral service will be held at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 530 W. Parkway Blvd, Appleton Wis. on Saturday, January 29 with Pastor Pat L. Brown officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00am-11:00am, with a funeral service at 11:00am. Cotter Funeral Home of DePere is assisting with the arrangements. The burial will be in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Wrightstown, Wis.

Elaine's family thanks her faithful church family, her dedicated neighbors, and her loving friends who she shared her life with and who brought her joy. We also thank Appleton Retirement Community for their care of Elaine the last 7 weeks of her life.

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." - 1 Peter 5:10