Louise Joanna (Elton) Sikkink, of Harmony, Minn., passed away April 6, 2026, at WinnMed Hospital in Decorah, Iowa surrounded by her family.
Louise was born June 2, 1935, to Marvin and Tressie (Alfson) Elton. She attended school in Hutton and graduated from Harmony High School in 1953. She began her career as the secretary to the superintendent at Harmony High School. During that time, she was introduced to Glenn Sikkink through mutual friends. On January 26, 1958, Louise and Glenn were married. Together, they farmed west of Greenleafton before purchasing a farm in Bristol Township.
In 1984, Glenn and Louise moved into Harmony. Not one to sit still, Louise kept busy working for several local businesses. She baked at Georgio’s, rolled lefse at Norseland Lefse, and later joined the team at the Harmony IGA. She worked there for 26 years, retiring in 2016. Known affectionately as “Bunzie,” Louise took great pride in her work and was particular about quality – never letting anything leave the store unless it met her high standards.
Spending time with her family and baking were what Louise loved most in life. Anyone who stopped by could count on a meal or at the least bars, cookies, or something delicious waiting. She took great joy in watching her family grow and cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Louise was the model mother and grandma and will be deeply missed.
Louise is survived by her four sons: Larry (Kim Powell) of Cottage Grove, Minn., Charles (Sue) of Harmony, Kevin (Toni) of Decorah, Iowa, and Tim of Harmony; her grandchildren: Brad, Erin (Jason) Waidzulis, Andy, Hannah, Senia, James (Jennifer), Kameron (Taylor Guyer), and Zoe; and her great-grandchildren: Brock, Kendyl, Josie, Karter and Kalani; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, who passed away on April 21, 1996; her parents, her sister Carmen Bellingham, her brother Manley, and several in-laws, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Harmony Ambulance, Bristol Center Cemetery, or the charity of your choice in memory of Louise.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Greenleafton Reformed Church. Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Home (formerly Lindstrom) in Harmony, and again one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday morning. Burial will take place in the Bristol Center Cemetery. Schmelzer Funeral Home in Harmony is handling the arrangements.
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