Elrene Mae Heinecke, 90

Elrene Mae Heinecke, 90, died October 9, 2011, in Knute Nelson care center in Alexandria. She had been a resident of Alexandria since 1998.

Elrene was born March 15, 1921 at Kilkenny, Minnesota to Joseph and Matilda Rose (Zellmer) Halik Sr. She graduated as valedictorian of her class from New Prague High School in 1939. After graduating she attended the Minneapolis Business School.

During World War II she enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Eltoro, California.

On March 30, 1946, she was married to Lester C. Heinecke at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. For several years she was employed by Minnesota Farms Company and C H Farms.

Elrene was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was active with the senior choir, served as a Sunday school teacher, and numerous other church organizations and activities. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and was long-time chairperson of the Appleton Red Cross.

She enjoyed crossword puzzles and going to her cabin on Battle Lake.

Elrene is survived by two sons, Jeff (Sue) Heinecke and Glenn Heinecke, all of Alexandria; three grandchildren, Jason Heinecke, Jon (Ashley) Heinecke, and Nicole (Travis) Bjerke; three great-grandchildren, Mya, Kason and Kolden; her sister, Florence Shaleen of Deephaven; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester C. Heinecke, in 1967; an infant son on October 9, 1957; her son, Roger G. Heinecke; brother, Joseph Halik Jr.; three sisters, Evelyn Halik, Helen Wishmeyer and Jayne Heinz; and her parents-in-law, George and Pauline Heinecke.

Services were held Wednesday, October 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton with Pastor Tim Renstrom officiating. Music was by organist Eileen Schwarz and congregational hymns.

Interment was at Appleton City Cemetery. Casket bearers were Peter Behlen, Bruce Heinz, Mark Shaleen, Norman Giese, Gary Shaleen and Craig Wilkening.

Arrangements were with Zniewski Funeral Home in Appleton; www.zniewskifuneralhome.com.

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