- Date Of Birth: October 9, 1929
- Date Of Death: June 2, 2018
- State: Michigan
Elaine Ann Pettke, age 88, of Galien, died peacefully, Saturday, June 2, 2018 in Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan. She was born October 9, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to Stanley and Lena Koziel. Elaine’s mother died when she was three years old.
Her father later then married Lottie Koziel. Elaine, was best known as “Nana” to her grandchildren. Nana was a vibrant, caring, and absolute loving person who cherished and loved having anything to do with children. She was literally “the perfect hostess” when it came to entertaining her family, friends and complete strangers; she loved traveling, gardening, and dancing. She was always up for a party and was the queen of Bingo. Those who knew her were accustomed to her “unique” gifts.
Her daughter is convinced that she was the original “re-gifter.” Her exuberant personality exemplified her ability to live life to the fullest. In her daily trials and accomplishments there was always her strong faith in God’s grace that she so heartfelt believed in. Her daily walk with Christ was a testimony to her faith. Elaine graduated in 1982 from Saint Mary’s of Nazareth School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois. She had the honor of meeting Mother Theresa. In 1985 she did clinical nursing research at Oak Forest Hospital’s Decubitus Ulcer Research Project, and assistant to Dr. Sylvetti. In 1988 she was also employed at First American Homecare. Her last employment in 1989 was at Alpha Christian Registry, as the marketing nurse coordinator. As a compassionate, caring person it enabled her to go into nursing as a natural career choice.
Her association and memberships included, the Illinois National League of Nursing, the Illinois Red Cross, Mid-America Chapter. She was also a member of the Saint Mary School of Nursing Alumni Association. Elaine will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia (Jeff) Mech of Galien, Christine (Charles) Kunkel of Wilmington, Illinois; one son, Thomas (Susan) Pettke, Sr. of Chicago; a sister, Nancy (Wayne) Brongel; two brothers, Ron Koziel and Jim Koziel; eight grandchildren, Melissa (Ron) Oatsvall, Jennifer (Jason) Harvlie, Thomas Pettke, Jr., Chuckie Kunkel, Oran Pettke, Alaina (Christopher) Huston, Blaine Pettke, Lexi Pettke; great grandchildren, Trey Oatsvall, Dillon Oatsvall, Ella Harvlie, Elliot Pettke, Cameron Pettke, Lauren Pettke, Bee Pettke, Livia Frye, Kelsey Kunkel, Amber Kunkel, Colin Kunkel; one daughter in law, Cheryl Pettke of Buchanan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother, and two sons, Raymond Pettke and David Pettke.
