February 12, 1931 – July 15, 2026
Elaine Claire Stadelman, 95, passed away on July 15, 2026, surrounded by family, at the Stewartville Care Center, where she had resided for just over a year.
She was born on February 12, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Milo and Cora Halverson and grew up in southeastern Minnesota. She graduated from Spring Valley High School in June 1949, married Donald Frank in October 1949, and together they farmed, raised three children, and later owned Spring Valley Hardware & Appliance. During those years she also worked at the Spring Valley Tribune and as secretary to the Spring Valley High School principal. Throughout this time, Elaine was active in her church, serving as organist at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for 26 years, teaching Sunday school, and leading youth groups.
After the couple divorced, Elaine moved to Rochester, joined Bethel Lutheran Church, and began what became a 27-year career in Recovery Legal Claims Services at Mayo Clinic, officially retiring at age 80. In Rochester she continued her pattern of quiet service – visiting homebound members, playing piano at local care facilities, reading liturgy during worship services, and volunteering in the gift shop at Methodist Hospital.
On May 25, 1993, Elaine married John Stadelman and they built a life of love, family, and shared time together. They traveled widely and enjoyed time with Elaine’s family, reading, holiday decorating, baking, playing cards, dancing, and attending their grandchildren’s many activities. They were married 26 years when John passed away in 2018.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband John Stadelman, her parents Milo and Cora Halverson, her brother Carroll Halverson, her son-in-law Stuart Smith, and her grandson Matthew James Frank.
She is survived by her children Donovan Frank (Kathy) of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, daughter Donnis Lassig (David) of Stewartville, Minnesota, and daughter Debra Smith (Steve) of Spring Valley; her grandchildren: Sara Lassig, Kelli Lassig (Heather Stafford), Rachel Frank (Brady Leaf), Hilary Frank (Sterling Rector), Lindsay Frank, Alexandra Korte (Tom), and Samantha Eklund (Justin); and great-grandchildren: Dawson McLean, Madeline Lassig, Canyon Leaf, Matthew Rector, Asher Rector, Mila Korte, Henry Korte, Weston Korte, Lennon Korte, Lillian Eklund, Reese Eklund, and Nico Eklund.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. A lunch will be served following the service. Private family burial will take place at a later date.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff of the Stewartville Care Center for the compassionate care they provided Elaine during the past year, and to the Mayo Clinic Hospice team for their support and comfort during her final two weeks.
Memorials may be directed to the church or to an organization or charity meaningful to the donor.
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