Elaine S. Paris, age 88, of Minocqua, formerly of Merrill, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2014, at Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff. She was born April 27, 1926, in Rhinelander to Milton and Esther (Abendroth) Andrus. She was united in marriage to Vincent Paris November 30, 1947, in Rhinelander.
Graduating from Rhinelander High School, Elaine pursued post-secondary education at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. Elaine worked for Helmstadter Jewelers in Merrill for many years. She was a devoted military wife and homemaker. Elaine and her family lived in Japan during the Korean War. Her Christian faith, love of the Lord, and dedication were manifested throughout her rich life. She enjoyed a variety of interests including gardening, reading, traveling, learning, trivia, dramatic arts, and music. A nature lover, she had a penchant for snowshoeing, bird watching, and relishing the outdoors. Elaine also cherished spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Stephen Ministry at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill, and Good Shepherd by the Lake Lutheran Church, Stoughton. During her years in Shawano, Elaine served as president of the St. James Altar Guild, and was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and PTL organizations. Elaine was a dear woman and will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Survivors include her four children: Kathleen (Matthew) Cullen, Mark (Renee) Paris, Matthew (Christina) Paris, and Patty (Don) McKinnon; 10 grandchildren: Meaghan, Hunter, Matthew Jr., Michael, Andrew, Dustin, Matt Cullen Jr., William, Julia and Catherine; 8 great-grandchildren; four siblings: Dr. Walter Andrus, James Andrus, Lois Silverman, and Carol Kuehling. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Vincent.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p. m. Thursday, November 20, 2014, at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. Senior Pastor Rev. Thomas Petersen will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Wood Veteran Cemetery in Milwaukee Friday, November 21. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at www.waidfuneral.com.