Elaine Helen Koetz

Elaine H. Koetz, age 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away, Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare in Austin. Elaine Helen Kleiner was born in Alma, Wisconsin, on July 29, 1932, to Eldon and Esther (Mueller) Kleiner. Elaine grew up and attended high school in Winona. On May 29, 1953, she was united in marriage to Arnold Koetz at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Parsonage in Winona. Their union was blessed with three children. Elaine was a wonderful homemaker and took great pride in taking care of her family. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, puzzles, and tending to her garden, especially her flowers. Elaine also found joy in feeding and watching the birds that visited her yard and was an avid lover of cats. Going on camping trips to state parks were treasured family traditions for Elaine, creating memories that will forever be cherished. One of her fondest memories was dancing the Waltz with Arnold. Elaine will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her daughters, Debbie (Larry) Peck and Sherry (Mike) Berndt, both of Austin; two grandchildren, Jeremy (Savannah) Peck  and Michael (Mary) Peck; five great grandchildren, Taylor, Joslyn, Carson, Olive, and Kane; six bonus grandchildren, Shawn Bartlett, Lisa Houston, Shelly Alm-Enzenauer, Annette (Brad) Peterson, Marcus Berndt (Alyssa Thevenot), and Jenna Berndt; eight bonus great grandchildren, Tim, Bob, Adam, Ashley, Alyssa, Alex, Zach, Nicole, Molly, Zyaire, and Olivia; and one brother, Franklin (Peggy) Kleiner of Denham Springs, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Esther Kleiner; husband, Arnold Koetz in 2017; son, Bruce Koetz; one grandchild, Bryan “BT” Peck; and son-in-law, Larry Alm.