Elaine Ardith Lehmann was born on November 24, 1937, in Sebeka, Minnesota, to Harold and Hazel (Bankord) Jessen. Elaine was baptized and confirmed into the Missouri Synod faith as a child. It was in this area that she attended District 54 Country School near her home through the eighth grade. She then went on to attend Menahga Public High School, graduating with the Class of 1955.

Elaine was united in marriage to Eugene Henry Lehmann on April 2, 1955, in Frazee, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with nine children: Stanley, Larry, Darrell, Thomas, Timothy, Julie, Terry, Carmen and Brenda. Their son, Timothy, died during infancy.

Elaine devoted her life to making a warm and loving home for her family. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will long be remembered for her delicious homemade cooking, especially her homemade breads and fried chicken.

As her children grew older, Elaine also did house cleaning for area families. In 1995, Elaine and Eugene retired to Park Rapids. Elaine loved the outdoors and especially looked forward to camping and canoeing with her family. Each spring, she looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden. She appreciated music and enjoyed playing the organ. She also enjoyed crafts in her spare time, including embroidery and painting. Above all, Elaine devoted her life to her husband, her children and her beloved grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart.

Elaine will be lovingly remembered by her children: Larry (Doris) Lehmann of Detroit Lakes, MN; Darrell Lehmann of St. Cloud, MN; Thomas (Charlene) Lehmann of Rochert, MN; Julie (Greg) Buckley of Detroit Lakes, MN; Terry (Kathy) Lehmann of Leola, SD; Carmen (Duane) Huseby of Vergas, MN; and Brenda Lehmann of Detroit Lakes, MN; 15 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Ruth Lehmann; her sisters, Ruth Jessen of Anchorage, AK, Mary Staudacher of Park Rapids, MN, Linda (Les) Sharp of Frazee, MN, and Laurie (Mark) Reger of Sebeka, MN; her brother, David (Robin) Jessen of Frazee, MN; her sister-in-law, Bonnie Jessen of Bemidji, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; her sons, Timothy and Stanley; her parents, Harold and Hazel Jessen; her brothers, Clyde and Stanley Jessen; her sister, Beverly Raines; and a grandson, Nick.

Tentative service dates are scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN taking place at 11:00 A.M with a visitation planned an hour before service time. Please check back in the coming days for a confirmed service date.