Elaine Waswick

Minot

Elaine Waswick, 94, Minot, formerly of Des Lacs, died Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in her home.

Elaine Rose Waswick was born on February 20th 1931, in Minot to Rose Frunz-Johnson and Edward N. Johnson. They lived on a farm near Parshall. Elaine’s father passed away when she was nine months old. Following his death, she moved to Tagus ND with her mother and her brother Allen and farmed there until 1934 when they moved to Berthold where she attended school through the eighth grade. Elaine and Allen went door to door selling fresh garden vegetables for a quarter trying to help their mother make ends meet. Elaine moved with her family to Minot in 1942 where she attended Minot High School and graduated in 1949. Elaine worked for Minot Builders after she graduated high school and held a job as a waitress at a local cafe, she also was a switchboard operator for Minot Telephone.

Elaine met the love of her life Lyle Gene Waswick and was united in marriage to him on December 14th, 1952 at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot and so started her life as a farmer’s wife. Elaine and Lyle lived on a farm in rural Des Lacs where they won soil conservation awards for their farming. They also lived near Rose Valley Lutheran Church where they were longtime active members. She taught Sunday school and was actively involved in ladies aid. Elaine and her husband Lyle also hauled water to the church as it did not have running water. They were blessed with 2 children Susan and Larry. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 14th, 2012. Lyle passed away January 8th 2013. Elaine has resided with her daughter Susan in Minot since his passing.

Elaine loved to crochet baby booties in her free time. She also loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed having them come out to the farm where they would play board games such as marbles or cards, or helping them catch frogs out near the barn. She also enjoyed spending afternoons at her daughter Susan’s house having 2 o’clock coffee almost every day with Susan and her wonderful neighbor ladies.

Elaine’s family includes her children Susan Cleveland, Minot, and Larry (Bonnie) Waswick, Midlothian, Texas; grandchildren, Michelle (Jesse) Long, Timothy (Zoe) Waswick, Benjamin (fiancé Emily) Waswick, and Jonathan Waswick; great grandchildren, Casey (Brandi), Nathan, Hailey (Jacob), Kenzie, Kelsey (Madison), Daisy (Nathan), Kipp, Molly, and Addison; great great grandchildren, Colter and Chevie.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, parents Rose and Edward, brother Allen and his wife Dolores, and granddaughter Melisa Elaine Lerohl.

Celebration of Elaine’s Life: 11 a.m. March 31, 2025 at Rose Valley Lutheran Church, rural Des Lacs. To view a recording of the service (available 4/1) or to share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Visitation: March 30th from 1 to 3 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Rose Valley Lutheran Church and Cemetery or Wycliff Bible Translators.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 26, 2025.