Elaine H. (Schaefer) King

Elaine King, 93, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024 surrounded by her family.  Elaine was born on April 15, 1931 to William and Nellie Schaefer in Kaukauna.  On June 26, 1951 Elaine was united in marriage to Gene King.  Together they owned and operated Kings Variety Store in Kaukauna and Little Chute for 35 years. Elaine loved engaging with the  customers  and knew many by name. She treated everyone with kindness and always showed a genuine interest in each person, developing many friendships over the years. Her love for people and interest in the business, kept her working until she was well into her 80’s.  Elaine was a  life long member of St. Katherine Drexel- St. Mary’s Church. Her faith and prayer were a very important part of her life. She was an avid Packer fan and attended home games for many years with Gene and a great group of friends. She never missed watching a game and followed all the Packer news.  She enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards, casino trips, vacations during the winter months and going for rides.  Elaine’s greatest love in life was spending time with her family. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Always a positive influence, interested in whatever was going on in their lives, listening with no judgement and continuously praying for their safety and happiness. Elaine is survived by her children; Nancy and Dave Vanderloop, Pat and Steve Dey, Peggy Edmonds, and Dan and Lisa King, grandchildren; Barry (Brenna) Vanderloop, Scott (Morgan) Vanderloop, Greg (Renae) Dey, Corey King, Kristy (Alex) Springhetti, Kelly (Quentin) Hungerford, Andy Dercks, Sam (Paul) Stoffel, great- grandchildren; Alexa, Alana and Aubrey Vanderloop, Loa, Nora and Briar Vanderloop, Paige Dey, Oliver and Veda Springhetti, Hailey and Kaeson King, Riley and Logan Hungerford, Hailey Fink, Alyza, Avalee  and Carson Stoffel,  sister; Dot Weyers, sister-in-law; Jane Schaefer, Godchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gene, son-in-law Don Edmonds, a brother Eugene Schaefer, brothers-in-law; Gordy Weyers and Leo (Ann) King, sisters-in-law; Dorothy (Les Luedtke /Ed Spierings), Laverne (Norbert) Jansen, Lenore (Dean) Ball, and Pearl (Wins) Saiberlich, Gene’s parents, Ed and Madge King. 

The funeral liturgy for Elaine will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Katherine Drexel, St Mary site, 119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna.   Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at church.  For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.  In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in her name.  The family would like to thank Lori and Dennis and Jan and Cliff for their wonderful friendship and care for Elaine.