Elaine Mahowald

Elaine Mahowald, 68, Gardner, ND died on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at the Hillsboro Medical Center, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Elaine Lois Jorgenson was born on January 21, 1940, the first child of Lesley and Eleanor (Salberg) Jorgenson at Valley City, ND. She grew up and attended school in the Kathryn, ND area. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She worked for the Red Owl Grocery stores first in Valley City and in the Fargo area for many years. On July 3, 1960 she was united in marriage to Andy Arneson and to this union two daughters were born, Sherry Ann and Theresa Mae. In April of 1976 she was united in marriage to Al Thorson. He died in 1979. Elaine married Andy Mahowald on August 11, 1981. They purchased the Happy Hour Bar in Gardner, which she continued to own and operate until she was no longer able. Elaine enjoyed all types of crafts, especially working with wood and crocheting. She made and donated over 100 afghans and lap robes to the Roger Maris Cancer Center to be enjoyed by their patients. She is survived by a grandson, Drew Brovold and his father Randy, two sisters, Connie(Ken) Mehrkens of Thief River Falls, MN., and Lynell Simmons of Morehead City, North Carolina, many special friends, especially Connie Pieske and daughter Lindsay and Al Barker, all of Gardner, ND. Preceding her in death were her two daughters, parents and husbands. Funeral: 2:00 PM Friday, January 16, 2009 at Gardner Congregational Church, Gardner, ND Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Burial: Waldheim Lutheran Cemetery, rural Kathryn, ND