Elaine Ann (Thelen) Partenio's Obituary
Mrs. Elaine Ann (Thelen) Partenio, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2023 in Spring Lake, Michigan. Elaine was born in Fowler, Michigan to Roman and Magdalen Thelen, and grew up on a small farm in the area. Roman’s position at the local bank enabled him to send all three of his daughters to college, and after a year at Aquinas College, Elaine moved on to Central Michigan University where she majored in English Language studies, a skill that she would use often over the years correcting her children’s speech habits. At Central, Elaine met a handsome football player at a dance, and her life with John Partenio began. Elaine went on to graduate from Central in 1953 and worked for the Michigan State University Athletic Department while John served in the Korean War. Upon his return, Elaine and John married and moved to Muskegon, which would become their lifelong home. Children followed at regular intervals, and Elaine never, ever apologized for not working outside the home. Her job was to raise kids and stretch a dollar, and she was very good at it! While John was working and coaching (or playing golf), Elaine was chief operating officer of the family business, making sure kids got to school, made their team practices, and did their share of work. As kids grew, Elaine got to play her fair share of golf - this and dancing at the Eagles and Elks would become a shared pastime for Elaine and John. Elaine had many activities which she enjoyed, including singing in the choir at St. Francis, playing the piano and guitar, singing at her children’s weddings and volunteering at the Frauenthal Theatre. But playing (and winning) golf tournaments with her daughters was something most special to her. We will all miss you. Elaine was preceded in death by her loving husband John; her parents Roman and Magdalen Thelen and her sister Jeanette Botti. She is survived by her sister Marie Gagnon; sister in-law Arvilla Atkinson; her children Linda (Tom) Wagenmaker; Steve (Debbie) Partenio; Daniel (Dominga) Partenio; Janet (Curt) Fater; Lisa (Kelly) Powers; grandchildren Kathryn Wagenmaker Regan; Nathan Wagenmaker; AJ Partenio; Paige Partenio Kapnick; Michael Partenio; Andrea Partenio; Collin Powers and Erin Powers; nine great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 5-7 PM Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 PM Thursday, December 28, 2023 in Marian Chapel of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 2929 McCracken Street, Norton Shores, MI 49441, where Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass. Entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be directed to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Memorial Fund or The Harbor Hospice Foundation. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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