Elaine C. Jenniges

Elaine Clara (Baune) Jenniges passed away peacefully with family at her side on June 20, 2026, in Brainerd, MN at the age of 90.

Elaine lived a full life and was born on May 19, 1936 on the family farm near Wabasso, MN to Clarence and Marie (Pelzel) Baune. Elaine was the fourth of 9 children. She graduated from St. Anne’s Catholic School in 1954. For three years following graduation, Elaine very much enjoyed working in Kelly’s Drug Store until she married Alphonse in 1957 after meeting on a blind date. They welcomed eight children and raised the family on the farm near Wanda, MN until 1982 when they moved the family to a cattle ranch near Motely, MN. In 1996, they retired and moved to Brainerd.

Elaine and Alf enjoyed 13 winters in South Texas during retirement, where she appreciated the warm weather and her many friends.

Her children remember her as a loving and very hard-working mother and farm wife with many talents. They think of her as a wonderful cook and gardener and were impressed when she remodeled the basement and bedrooms of the farmhouse. She also has a collection of poetry she had written, and usually thought of writing them while working in the garden or on the farm. Elaine even wrote and recorded a song about respect for life and sold 500 records. Elaine encouraged her children to be a close family, come home often, eat well, and to be kind and caring to others.

While helping with farming and raising the children, Elaine was President of St. Mathias Christian Mothers, catering countless meals in the church basement and the legion hall, she was a member of St Mathias Choir, a Befriender, and often visited the sick. After moving to Brainerd, Elaine was Master Gardner of the Grandview Lodge for several years. Elaine had many friends, and was always thoughtful with a kind note or encouraging word.

She was a strong yet kind person who enjoyed nature walks, puzzling, gardening, Swedish weaving, and embroidery. As one of the highlights of her life, Elaine and a friend took a church trip to Rome and Assisi that included a blessing from the Pope. Elaine took great joy in her grandchildren and was always ready to hear a funny grandchild story so she could tell others. Nothing made her happier than when the whole family was together.

Elaine will be sadly missed and is survived by her husband Alphonse; her 8 children: Susan Stewart (Steve), Nancy Jenniges (Pete Nelson), Judy McDonald (Arden Hegland), Sandra Jenniges (Dan Dohmeier), Sharon Zetah (Terry), Cindy Zetah (Scott), Tony Jenniges (Sheila), Randy Jenniges (Connie); 21 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; one sibling: Theresa (Jim) Buechner, and one sister-in-law, Darlene (Alvin) Baune and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Marie (Pelzel) Baune and siblings, Virginia Condon, Gerald Baune, Dolores Schroeder, Sylvester Baune, Alvin Baune, Rosemary Baune and in-laws Tom Condon, Jean Baune, Jim Buechner, Les Schroeder, Barb Baune, Kathy Baune.

A funeral mass celebrating her life is scheduled for Tuesday June 23, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Brainerd. There will be a visitation held on Monday June 22, 2026 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, and also one hour prior to the start of the funeral at the church on Tuesday. A graveside service will be held at the Motley Public Cemetery, Motley MN.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers of Northern Lakes Senior Living and Moments Hospice for their compassionate care and dedication.