Service Information
Elaine M. Pijahn, age 94, of Norwood Young America, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Haven Homes in Maple Plain, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021, 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood Young America, Minnesota with interment following at the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Norwood Young America, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021, 10:00-11:00 A.M., one hour prior to service at the church.
Memorials preferred to Minnesota State Services for the Blind 2200 University Ave. West, St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840
Obituary
Elaine Martha Pijahn was born on January 19, 1927, in Bloomington, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Reverend Paul J. and Alma (Pieske) Affeldt. Elaine was baptized as an infant on February 2, 1927, in Bloomington, Nebraska. She was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on April 2, 1939, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ormsby, Minnesota. Elaine received her education in Trimont, Minnesota and was a graduate with the Triumph Monterey High School.
On December 12, 1947, Elaine was united in marriage to Lorenz Pijahn at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Jessica, Gregory, and Kathryn. Elaine and Lorenz made their home in Norwood Young America. They shared 48 years of marriage together before Lorenz passed away on January 4,1996.
Elaine was a bank teller at Citizen’s Bank in Norwood Young America for 23 years. Elaine was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood Young America where she participated in the St. John’s Missionary League, as well as the Altar Guild. She was also a member of the WWII Civil Air Patrol, and the Edward Born American Legion Auxiliary Unit 343, Norwood Young America.
Elaine volunteered her time at Ridgeview Medical Center and the Carver County Historical Society. She enjoyed listening to audio books, especially about history, and spending time with her family and friends.
Elaine passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Haven Homes in Maple Plain, Minnesota at the age of 94 years. Blessed be her memory.
Elaine is survived by her:
Children, Jessica Hilgers and her husband, David,
Gregory “Greg” Pijahn and his wife, Jackie,
Kathryn “Kathy” Briggs and her husband, Melvin;
Grandchildren, Michelle Hilgers, Julie Hilgers, Phillip (Thi) Pijahn, Marcie (Brandon) Zabel, Brianna (Ben) Westphal, Bethany (Eric) Rathmanner;
Step Grandchildren, Jon (Candy) Schwochert, Lu Ann Schwochert
Great Grandchildren, Isabel Pijahn, Connor Pijahn, Charlotte Pijahn, Silas Zabel, Zachary Zabel, Mallory Zabel, Graham Rathmanner, Baby Westphal
Step Great Grandchildren, Lily Draheim, Rander Draheim, Avery Mohn, Jeremy Mohn;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Elaine is preceded in death by her Parents, Reverend Paul J. and Alma Affeldt; Husband, Lorenz Pijahn; Brother, Paul Affeldt; Daughter-in-law, Judy Pijahn.
Mary Sellnow says
Another angel in God’s kingdom. Elaine was a special lady to me. We were neighbors and she watched us kids grow up. I enjoyed visiting with her at NYA’s music in the park. My sympathies to the family.
Mary Shanahan Sellnow
SHIRLEY JAEGER says
A wonderful person to know, always enjoyed Elaine when she was able to come to the store, always upbeat and fun to talk to. Sympathies to the family but oh how happy she must be now.