Elaine spent her childhood in southern California and graduated as valedictorian from Woodrow Wilson High School. In the fall of 1955, she chose to attend Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where she pursued a degree in Home Economics and English. It was there that Elaine met Jim Penn from Chicago, IL, and on June 28, 1958, they married, spending their first year together as college seniors.
After college, Jim and Elaine lived in Wichita for several years where they welcomed their two children, Michele and Michael. In 1969, they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska which has been their home to this day.
Elaine cherished her 66 years of marriage to Jim and embraced her role as a dedicated mother and grandmother. Guided by her deep faith in Jesus Christ, she exemplified service, kindness, and generosity to her family, church and community. Elaine enjoyed playing the piano, tending to her flower gardens, playing tennis and cheering on the Huskers.
Elaine is survived by her husband, James Penn; daughter Michele Loecken (Kevin) of Plymouth, MN, and son Michael Penn (Michelle) of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Andrea (Peter) Leafblad of Shoreview, MN, Matthew (Katie) Loecken of Shoreview, MN, Eric Loecken of Eden Prairie, MN, and Ethan, Davis, and Avery Penn of Lincoln, NE; along with 5 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 1st at 10 am at First Free Church, 3280 South 84th Street, Lincoln.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Free Church, Lincoln NE.