Elaine Waldera

Elaine Waldera, 89 passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 29, 2023, at Missouri Slope Nursing Home, Bismarck ND. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan with Rosary/Vigil at 7:00 PM.

Elaine Margaret Parrow was born July 25, 1933, in Havana ND, the daughter of Arthur and Anna (Decker) Parrow.  She was the youngest and some say feistiest of 8 children; raised and educated in Havana, ND and graduating from Havana High School in 1951.  Following graduation, she spent some time in Oregon before returning back to Havana at the request of her father.

On December 31, 1953, she married Harris (Harry) Waldera.  Together they raised three children, Daniel, Paul, and Lori.  With Harry’s career in the Soil Conservation Service they spent time in Havana, Edgeley, Selfridge/Fort Yates, and finally settling in Mandan, ND.   Elaine worked for the St Joseph’s Manor, Edgeley, the Fort Yates School District, and spent many years working nights at MedCenter One, Bismarck, ND.  

There was nothing that Elaine wouldn’t do for her children and grandchildren.  Together with her husband, Harry, she was devoted to her son Danny’s activities and Special Olympic events along with any sporting activities involving Paul and Lori.   She was by far the biggest fan at her grandson’s sporting events and was always interested in everything the three of them were involved in from a softball field to a combine or tractor.  

She showered her three grandsons, Stephen Jr, Timothy, and Michael along with her six great grandchildren Jaxson, Emma, Teagan, Nora, Dani, and Henry with so much love.

Her greatest passion was children, especially babies.  She was Grandma Elaine to all children that were blessed to be in her care.    There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them.   If there was a family activity you would always find her snuggling any or all the children present.

In passing, Elaine leaves behind one son Paul; her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Steve Berger; three grandsons and two granddaughters-in-law Stephen Jr and Andrea, Timothy and Cherisa, and Michael Berger; along with six great grandchildren Jaxson, Emma, Teagan, Nora, Dani, and Henry. A special niece and family, Susan, Paul, Lukas, and Caleb Klabunde; along with many nieces and nephews.

Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, Harris (Sept 9, 1998); her son Daniel (Dec 15, 1996): her parents Arthur and Anna Parrow; all of her siblings and in-laws.