Elaine (Lindberg) Irons, age 81, passed away peacefully in her Ottertail home surrounded by her family on Monday, September 16, 2024. Memorial Mass was held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Henning, with Fr. LeRoy Schik officiating. Pallbearers were Jeff Burgess, Tanner Wegscheid, Jordan Wegscheid, Cory Irons, Henry Irons, Alan Irons, and David Lindberg. Honorary Pallbearers were Britta Burgess, Alysha Mines, Kayla Irons, Lydia Irons, Jolie Irons, Margaret Irons, and Audrey Irons. Elaine was laid to rest at St. Edward’s Catholic Cemetery, Henning.

Elaine was born December 1, 1942, to Lloyd Arthur and Mary Louise (Koep) Lindberg at the Battle Lake Clinic; she returned home later that day with her parents to their home in Leaf Mountain township.

She attended Country School 283 in Leaf Mountain; walking to school often with an occasional ride in a horse and sleigh on a snowy day. When the Lindberg family moved to Henning, she attended Henning High School and has been a strong supporter of anything “Henning” since.

She married Marlin Leroy Irons Sr on June 3, 1961, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. They raised their six children living in several homes in Henning and Deer Creek, before settling on their dairy farm in Inman Township in 1971. Hard work and many adventures were part of each day, and each Irons sibling has fond memories of those years growing up.

In 1975-76, Elaine started working outside the home at Homecrest Industries. After a few years, she began working at the Henning Nursing Home which was much more than a job to her. She knew many of the residents and their families. She greeted them by name, joked and laughed with them, and was a bright spot in their day.

She loved people; years ago, she had many close friends in the Monday night TOPS group, she met often with the church ladies, and she spent many hours at the Corner Cafe in Henning for coffee which often extended to lunch.

Elaine’s greatest love was her family. Each child – Mary, Marlin Jr, Michelle, Mitchell, Melissa, and Marty always thought they were her favorite because of her unconditional love and support. She was their biggest fan and cheerleader at their sporting events, concerts and plays, but was always there to help them learn from their mistakes and navigate the challenges of life.

But that all changed, the Irons kids had to take a back seat when Marlin and Elaine became grandparents. Gramma Elaine traveled by car, Greyhound bus, Amtrak, and planes to spend time with her 12 grandchildren. They loved time with Gramma – she rode 4-wheeler, trapped gophers, shot BB guns, fished and fished and fished some more. She dressed up with them for Halloween and took pictures when they sat on Santa’s lap.

The next chapter in Elaine’s life was being a great-grandparent. Gi-Gi was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren (soon to be 9, Baby Girl Wegscheid is due in December.) They all knew where her toys were, and she played right on her living room floor with them.

Elaine is survived by her husband: Marlin Irons Sr; children: Mary (Lon) Burgess of Brandon, Minn.; Marlin (Trish O’Meara) Irons Jr, of Clitherall; Michelle (Jeff) Smith of Bullhead City, Ariz.; Mitchell (Leah) Irons of Sedro Woolley, Wash.; Melissa (Gary) Wegscheid of New York Mills; and Marty (Trudy) Irons of New York Mills; sisters: Mary Jean Baird of Edina, Minn.; and Rosalie Lindberg of Naples, Fla.; brother: Jerry Lindberg of Fergus Falls; brother and sister-in-law: Jerry and Rita Irons of Parkers Prairie; grandchildren: Britta Burgess; Jeff (Ashleigh) Burgess; Tanner (RaeAnna) Wegscheid; Alysha (Adam) Mines; Jordan (Sydney) Wegscheid; Kayla Irons; Lydia Irons; Cory Irons; Margaret Irons; Jolie Irons; Audrey Irons; and Henry Irons; great-grandchildren: Beaumont, Bennett, and Boden Burgess; Kaia, Brynn, and Grady Wegscheid; Carson Irons, Maverick Mines, Baby Girl Wegscheid (December); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Woodard and Art Lindberg; stepfather Norvel Woodard; in-laws Cliff and Inez Irons; brother: Jim Lindberg; sisters: LuAnn Lindberg; and LaVonne Lindberg; sisters-in-law: Verna Lindberg; and Janet Lindberg; brothers-in-law: Brian Baird; Gene Irons; nephews: Tom Lindberg; and Jon Lindberg; and niece: Cheryl Miller.

Many thanks and blessings to everyone who reached out and made Elaine’s journey with cancer easier – thanks to all the medical staff at Fairview Minneapolis, and Fergus Falls Cancer Center for their outstanding care. Knute Nelson Hospice became our friends quickly – Carrie, Sara, Michelle, and others were there and tended to her every need, there are no words to express our gratitude. Thanks to family friend Geri Perala for care given.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Elaine’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Belmont-Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Henning.