Elaine Leigh (Van Rooyen) Werlinger (1955-2005)

VAN ROOYEN, VAN OORT, PALMER, WERLINGER, MULDER

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

Elaine Leigh (Van Rooyen) Werlinger, the daughter of Harvey and Joan (Van Oort) Van Rooyen, was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 22, 1955. In addition to Philadelphia, she lived in Minnesota, Iowa, and Westminster, Colorado throughout her youth. She graduated from high school in 1971 at Westminster. Following graduation, she attended the University of Denver for one year.

She was united in marriage to Ray Palmer in 1973 at the Church of the Rockies in Denver, Colorado. She later married Greg Werlinger and returned to Iowaa in 1989 and had resided in Melvin with her children since that time.

She died at Osceola Community Hospital at Sibley, Iowa, on November 15, 2005 at the age of 52 years,two months, 23 days.

She is survived by her children: Sam and Ellie Palmer of Alvord, Iowa,Evan and Angie Palmer of Archer, Iowa, Ryan Palmer of Allendorf, Iowa, Joanna and Garrett Werlinger of Melvin, Iowa, two granddaughters, Cheyeene and Lacey Palmer, her mother, Joan Van Rooyen of Ashton, Iowa; two brothers and their wives: Bud and Lori Van Rooyen of Houston, Texas, and Butch and Vicke Van Rooyen of Billings, Montana; three sisters: LuAnne Mulder (Carl) of North Mankato, Minnesota, Jan Van Rooyen of Plainview, Minnesota, and Rachel (Bill) Reuter of Melvin, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Elaine was a very active member of the American Lutheran church of Melvin. She enjoyed her association with the music department of the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community Schools and accompanied many students in the vocal and instrumental classes. Music was her passion and she shared her gift of music through her piano and organ playing.

She cherished her children and family and the times the could spend together. She will be remembered as a very loving and devoted motherd, daughter, sister, and friends. The care and warmth shared with family and community and the social bridges she built with her music and compassion for others will be missed.

Memorial services were held at the American Lutheran Church at Melvin on November 18 with Pastor Jane Johnston officiating.

Burial was in West Lawn Cemetery, Orange City, with the Sanborn/Hartley Funeral Home in charge.

Sanborn (Iowa)Pioneer, 24 Nov 2005, p5