Obituary: Elaine Schaack

Elaine Schaack

Elaine Schaack, age 88, of West Fargo, N.D., formerly Sykeston and Jamestown, N.D., died Monday, April 29, 2024, at Kinder Care, West Fargo, N.D.

Irene Elaine Peterson was born May 3, 1935, at Pingree, N.D., the daughter of Walter and Ellen (White) Peterson. She attended grade schools at Woodworth and Jamestown, high school at Kensal and then Valley City State College, where she earned her teaching certification.

Elaine taught school in Kensal, N.D., from 1953 – 1955, and later was a substitute teacher in Sykeston, N.D.

On May 26, 1955, Elaine was united in marriage to Hubert "Jack" Schaack at St. John's Catholic Church, Kensal, N.D. They lived and farmed at Sykeston from 1955-2009, moving to Jamestown in 2010. Jack Schaack died on October 5, 2010. Elaine later moved to West Fargo, N.D., to be closer to family.

She served on the Sykeston Public School Board, was a 4-H leader, and was an active member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church where she had been a Sunday School teacher and served on the church board.

Elaine loved to garden, and always raised beautiful flowers. She always made sure St. Elizabeth's was adorned with handmade bouquets from her many flower gardens.

Elaine is survived by seven children: Christine Stephenson, Brainerd, Minn., Colette Schaack, Bemidji, Minn., Celeste (Dennis) Leier, Tucson, Ariz., Jewel (Brion) Bittner, West Fargo, N.D., Jill Dalziel, Devils Lake, N.D., Joy (Kim) Zeltinger, West Fargo, N.D., and Marti (Terri) Schaack, Grove, Okla.; 16 grandchildren: Shannon, Kellie, Justin, Alicia, Jasmyne, Matthew, Brittney, Lindsay, Andrew, Victoria, Kayla, Garrett, Tanner, Preston and Ciara; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and siblings: Robert Peterson, Shirley Schaack, Glen Peterson and Sherry Florhaug.

She was preceded in death by husband, Jack Schaack; parents and siblings, JoAnn Seil, Leroy Peterson, Gener Peterson, Phyllis Ramer and Patricia Lampert.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, N.D., with visitation held one hour prior to her service.

Burial will be at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Cemetery, Sykeston, N.D., on Tuesday, May 14 at 11 a.m.

Arrangements by West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, West Fargo, N.D.