Elaine Wait 12/09/2025

Elaine Margaret (Whitmyre) Wait passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025.
Elaine was born on February 17, 1952, in Webster, South Dakota, the youngest of four daughters born to Konrad and Irene Whitmyre. Her early years were spent in several small towns throughout South Dakota, as her father served as a Superintendent of Schools for multiple districts. During her elementary years, the family lived in Russell, Minnesota, and later settled in Eden Valley, Minnesota, where Elaine graduated from Eden Valley High School in 1969.
It was in Eden Valley that Elaine met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Ronald Wait. They were married on New Year’s Day in 1971 and shared a devoted marriage until Ron’s passing in 2014. Together they raised two children, Gina and Seth.
Elaine worked for many years at General Mills in consumer service and purchasing. She was especially proud to complete her college degree through years of study at Gustavus Adolphus College and Augsburg University. The friendships she formed during her college years and her career at General Mills became lifelong connections that meant a great deal to her.
Elaine cherished being a grandmother and was blessed with seven grandchildren. She found immense joy in attending countless baseball, football, and hockey games, as well as circus events, concerts, and grandparent days. Her love for each of her grandchildren was deep, constant, and unmistakable.
After retirement, Elaine and Ron delighted in traveling together, sharing many grand adventures before his passing. Though losing her soulmate was profoundly difficult, Elaine found strength in continuing the plans they had made together. She kept traveling, faithfully attended her grandchildren’s activities, and lovingly carried forward the stories and history of her family so future generations would know and appreciate them.
Elaine is survived by her children, Gina (Josh) Cleveland of River Falls, Wisconsin, and Seth (Heather) Wait of Oakdale, Minnesota; and her beloved grandchildren, Jackson (Sarah), Samuel, Zachary, Aesa, Rawlin, Scarlet, and Kolton.
Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we rejoice in knowing Elaine is now reunited with Ron, her parents, two sisters, and several of her dearest friends. We can only imagine how glorious that reunion must have been.
Cremation provided by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.