Elaine Ardis Schlenner

Elaine Ardis Schlenner, of Clara City and formerly of Maynard, Minnesota, passed away on June 1, 2026, at the Clara City Care Center at the age of 89.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Granite Falls, with Pastor Joel Gueningsman officiating. Visitation with the family will take place one hour prior to the service.

A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the memorial service. A private burial will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls.

Elaine Ardis (Zimmerman) Schlenner was born May 8, 1937, in Dawson, MN, to Thomas and Isabell Zimmerman. At the age of 8, the family moved to Maynard, where Elaine graduated from Maynard High School. She was united in marriage to Alvin Dale Schlenner on January 28, 1956, at the Maynard Baptist Church. Her and Alvin celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past January. To this union, three children were born: Shirley, Richard, and Bruce.

Elaine was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1958 at Grace Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible School, leading Bible studies, and was an active member and officer of the Maynard Lutheran WELCA. Elaine also served as both a Camp Fire leader and a Cub Scout den mother.

Elaine enjoyed gardening and had a large garden of both flowers and vegetables. She also enjoyed camping and fishing, reading, crocheting, and listening to music. Her and Alvin spent many summers traveling in their motorhome and camping at various places. Together, they also did crafting and woodworking. Above all, Elaine had a deep love for her family. She cherished time spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Alvin; her children, Shirley (Ron) Olson, Richard (Vicki) Schlenner, and Bruce (Laurie) Schlenner; siblings, Gene (Leanne) Zimmerman, and Joyce Coulter; 8 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 11 brothers and sisters.