Elaine Helen Schilz

Elaine Helen Schilz of McCook died Saturday, January 8, 2005, at Community Hospital at the age of 83.

Elaine was born on March 18, 1921, at Herndon, Kansas to Paul Louis and Anne Alice (Bobinmyer) Berger. She graduated from Herndon High School in 1939. She attended Normal Training School in Oberlin, Kansas and taught for rural schools in Kansas for four years. She continued her education at a Vocational School in Kansas City, Kansas receiving a degree in communications. From there she moved to Washington, DC where she was a secretary for the Navy Department. She later worked for the railroad in Chicago, Kansas City and Topeka.

On November 3, 1949, she married Bernard “Rusty” Jacob Schilz. To this union two daughters were born. They made their home on a farm in Red Willow County until 1960 when they moved to a farm in Hitchcock County. They retired in 1987 and moved to McCook. Elaine was an active part of the farm and was a homemaker.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her special joy. Elaine enjoyed creating special quilts and afghans for each family member as well as playing cards and working on word puzzles.

Proceeding her in death were her parents; her husband, Rusty, on June 5, 2003; one sister, Evelyn Showman; and one brother, Lloyd Berger.

Survivors include her two daughters, Judy and husband, Mike Zapp, of Kearney and Janice and husband, Rex Hanna, of Cambridge; one brother, David Berger of Clarkston, WA; five grandchildren, Nick Hanna and wife, Amy, of Hastings, Jay Hanna presently serving in Kuwait and his wife, Tina, of Lincoln, Maxx Hanna of Dallas, TX, Bret Zapp and wife, Brandy, of Omaha, and Bobbi Zapp of Colorado Springs, CO; four great-grandchildren, Jacob and Kylie Hanna and Mason and Mallorie Zapp.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Visitation will be today until 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Rosary will be Tuesday, January 11, 2005, 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, January 12, 2005, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Gary Brethour officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.