Elaine K. Vogel passed away May 8, 2008, awaiting a lung transplant at the University of Washington hospital in Seattle, Wash.
A memorial celebrating Elaine’s life will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in Townsend at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran church at 11 a. m. Funeral services will be held in Havre Friday, May 16, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church with internment at Highland Cemetery. Elaine was born Oct. 1, 1945, in Williston, N.D., to Martin and Wanda (Storm) Knudsvig. Elaine moved with her family to Havre in 1955. She attended schools in Havre, was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church and graduated from Havre High School in 1964. While attending Northern Montana College, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Rector. During this time, Elaine met Randolph Vogel of Kremlin. They were married on Oct. 1, 1966, and to this union were born three children. In 1967, the Vogels moved to Townsend. Elaine had a very caring heart and enjoyed being around and helping people. Broadwater County Hospital employed her as a nurse’s aide. After her daughter was born, Elaine began a daycare and balloon business, Elaine’s Flyin’ Balloons, so she could stay at home and raise her family. In doing so, she raised many local children as well. In 1994, she began working at Hennessy’s, which later became Dillard’s, in Helena. She retired in December 2006 due to her diagnosis of Scleroderma. In October 2007, Elaine and Randy moved to Seattle to be closer to the University of Washington hospital and await a lung transplant. Elaine was very active in her church. She loved to help with making lefse each year. She participated in Extension Homemakers. Elaine enjoyed socializing and creating unique items for her family. Her favorite sport was bowling. She attended several state bowling competitions. She enjoyed sewing and made several outfits for her children. Elaine was a bargain shopper! She could spot a good deal from 50 feet! Elaine enjoyed boating, camping and traveling with her family. The family made it to destinations such as Disneyland, Devil’s Tower, the Black Hills and a very special trip with her daughter, Ryndee, to New York City! She was preceded in death by her father, Martin Knudsvig. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Randall; her children, Max and daughter-inlaw, Terra of Havre; Rodney and daughter-in-law, Theresa of Durango, Colo.; and daughter, Ryndee and son-inlaw, Pete of Billings; her grandchildren, the joys of her life, Alara and Carsyn Vogel (Max and Terra), CaraLenor and Elise Vogel (Rodney and Theresa), and Peter J. and Jace Hamilton (Ryndee and Pete); her mother, Wanda Knudsvig; and sisters, Marlys (Gene) of Bozeman and Michelle (Cliff) of West Point, Miss.; brothers, Bob (Margo) and Bill (Laura) of Seattle, Wash. And Leroy (Rhonda) of Whitefish; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials in Elaine’s memory can be made to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923 or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.
