Elaine (DeFosse) Enfield, 21 May 1937 - 02 Mar 2026

ENFIELD, DEFOSSE, WALBERG, CHAPMAN, SHORT, FLEMING, KOBUS

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 5/12/2026 at 15:10:04

Elaine DeFosse Enfield, a devoted educator and beloved friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved her.

Elaine was born on May 21, 1937, to Alice (Walberg) and Charles DeFosse. She graduated from Mediapolis Community High School in 1954. She continued her education at Cedar Falls Teachers College, where she earned her Bachelor of Mathematical Science degree.

Elaine dedicated 37 years to education, teaching junior high and high school in Marengo from 1956 until her retirement in 1993. Teaching was her calling, and she touched the lives of countless students. After retiring, she continued tutoring students in Mediapolis.

On September 15, 2005, she married Richard Enfield at Zion Lutheran Church in San Antonio. Through this marriage, Richard’s daughter, Tina Chapman, and his niece, Teresa Short, became a cherished part of Elaine’s life and remained faithful in visiting and supporting her over the years. Richard preceded her in death in 2010.

She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Donavon and James DeFosse; and her sister, Marlene Fleming.

She is survived by her sister, Jean (Dean) Kobus of San Antonio; her sisters-in-law, Barb DeFosse of Mediapolis and Nancy DeFosse; along with nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A memorial has been established for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elaine’s name. Memorials may be sent to Elaine’s family in care of the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral Home, P.O. Box 475, Mediapolis, Iowa 52637.

A sharing of remembrances for Elaine will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Mediapolis. A visitation will follow the time of remembrances until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the funeral home.

A life dedicated to teaching is a life that never truly ends.

Published in The Pioneer Republican on March 6, 2026.