Elaine Morgan
Elaine was born on February 25, 1941, in Mauston, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Virginia (Werner) Johnson. She attended Adams-Friendship High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. From there, she began a life marked by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love of people.
Elaine lived fully and with purpose. She had a passion for travel, was an accomplished pianist who could move an audience, and faithfully served as church organist at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church for 25 years. Alongside her husband, Fred, she enjoyed boating, camping, cheering on the Badgers, Packers, Bucks, and the Kansas City Chiefs, and attending NASCAR and local races throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. Both were avid readers, especially of Westerns.
Elaine found great joy in cooking and baking, particularly traditional Norwegian recipes, and she shared her talents while working in restaurants and school kitchens. Over the years, she also served as a school bus aide and worked at Parker Pen in Janesville, SSI, and later at Oscar Mayer in Madison, from where she retired.
Elaine was deeply involved in her community. As a young woman, she belonged to Rainbow Girls, and later was active in the Sons of Norway, Camper Club, and the Red Hat Society. She volunteered with the Historical Society, Antique Tractor Club, the Grand Marsh Corn & Tater Festival, her church, and local 4-H programs.
Above all, Elaine was known for her kindness, generosity, and welcoming spirit. She loved to entertain—whether preparing a home-cooked meal, playing the piano, enjoying a lively game of euchre, or sharing quiet conversation over coffee. There was always room for dessert. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and meaningful conversation.
Elaine treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, faithfully attending their school programs, music recitals, sporting events, and dance performances. She was immensely proud of their accomplishments. She cherished her family, her friends, and most of all her husband, Fred. Her radiant smile and gentle spirit touched all who knew her. Elaine was a woman of remarkable grace, whose example will be remembered and whose presence will be deeply missed.
Elaine was married first to Russ Nichols, with whom she had three children, and later to John Vana Jr., with whom she had two children. In 2003, she was united in marriage to Fred Morgan.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Morgan; sister, Frances Synova Brien; son, Brian (Lisa) Vana; daughter, Cheryl (Rick) Duncan; son, Jeff Vana; daughter-in-law, Kathy (Mike) Kuss; brother-in-law, Dan (Marilyn) Morgan; sister-in-law, Lola Williams; step-sons, Kelly (Carla) Morgan and Kerry Morgan; step-daughter, Teri Ann Chambers; brother-in-law, Dave Marsh; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Frank) Chudyk and Sharon Morgan; first cousin, Rick (Sari) Ostby; 19 grandchildren: Justin, Jacob, Alyssa, Josh, Ashley, Dusty, Nick, Cam, Zach, Morgan, Jon, Keiryn, Kyle, Chelsea, John, Dustin, Rick, Ryan, and Lindsey; 25 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Vana Jr.; daughter, Brenda (Rob) LaMar; son, Dennis Nichols; parents, Clarence and Virginia Johnson; brothers, Bob Haakenstad and Allen Johnson; sisters-in-law, Nancy Marsh and Maureen “Sis” Holden; brothers-in-law, Harold Morgan and Howard Morgan; son-in-law, Ray Chambers; and great-nephew, Adam Brien.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Terri Skildum officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.
Elaine was a blessing, her memory a treasure.
Always had fun with Elaine when we were at the Y, not much exercise but laughs. Rest in peace dear lady.
Fred and family
So sorry for your loss. My condolences. Elaine was the sweetest and kindest woman I have ever known. I will miss her a lot!
So sad long time friend neighbor classmate will see you soon but HOPE its in Heaven where you are. LOL
Brian, Cheryl, and Jeff,
I am truly saddened by the death of your Mom. I have always considered her my Aunt and have many great memories of our time together. You may remember your Mom actually played the pipe organ for my wedding in 1976 at Immanuel Lutheran church in Wisconsin Rapids, which was no easy task. Her organ playing was great and piano skills magnificent. She brought great joy, love and humor to everyone who had the opportunity to know her. I regret that we lost touch over the years but will always remember the great memories and love I had for her. With my deepest sympathy for your loss, Julie
My deepest sympathy to Fred and all the family. Elaine certainly was a special lady and I cherish our many years of friendship.
Losing a mother will definitely take some time to heal. You have our deepest sympathy. May God give you strength in the days ahead. So sorry we won’t be able to be there. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Elaine
Sincere sympathy is extended to Fred and the entire family. We will remember the good times. So sorry for your loss.
I worked with Elaine at Oscar Mayer we became friends instantly she would always bring in her famous chocolate cake and lasagna for me she was a such a sweet soul
And will greatly be missed
My heart is very saddened to hear of the loss of Elaine. I have so many fun memories of Elaine as she was one the special ladies who was a very special friend of my mother. Always a smile and a laugh. I always smile when I think of Elaine, Carol, Jeanette and my mother, Grenneth, together again laughing. We all love you Elaine for all the joy you brought to everyone who was blessed to have known you. Sincere sympathy to all her family and blessings are sent. Love always, Cathy
Well, Elaine, another graduate from our class of ’58 passes to our Lord. I remember you well. RIP!
My sincere condolences to Elaine’s family. Elaine got me through some of the darkest hours of my life. Her and Brenda were a blessing. My heart goes out to her family. I can still remember her kitchen, her apple slice and that beautiful broom that she had. Love to her family.
Elaine was a loving soul and she always treated you like kings and queens when visiting her. Sorry for the loss to everyone she will be deeply missed by many.
Thoughts and prayers to Elaine’s family.
What a beautiful picture and obit of a dear lady & friend who was loved by all who knew her! Our sympathy to Fred and all of Elaine’s family; cherish your memories.
Prayers and thoughts for your family, Elaine was such a great organ player and I loved hearing her play every Sunday and just saying good morning at the Arkdale Church.
Elaine’s Family, so saddened to hear of her passing. She was a true friend. Always enjoyed conversation & stories about the memorable trips taken with the “Sand County Campers”. The fun gatherings of friends will be missed. Peace be with Elaine. Blessings & love ❤️to you all.
Elaine’s Family, so saddened to hear of her passing. She was a true friend. Always enjoyed conversation & stories about the memorable trips taken with the “Sand County Campers”. The fun gatherings of friends will be missed. Peace be with Elaine. Blessings & love ❤️to you all.
I am sorry for your loss.
To all of Elaine’s family, I am so sorry to hear this she truly was a great caring lady. When we first moved to Friendship I had the honor of meeting her in church where she played the organ every Sunday. I will miss seeing her there now. She played piano for the students at the grade school. You have our condolences, treasure your memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She was such a sweet, caring lady and will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss Jeff. My prayers are for peace and healing for your family.
I loved your Mom dearly. I am so sorry I won’t be able to be there to give everyone a hug as I am out flying that day😢
Please know my heart is with you all❤️
so many memories. heartbreaking❤️🙏❤️to all
Ray and I are sending our love and prayers to all who love Elaine.
Fred,
On behalf of the American Legion Post 273 I wish to express our sincere condolences on your loss. She was a great lady.
and family,
So sorry for your loss. She was such a vibrant and kind woman. On behalf of the Colburn family we wish you to remember the good times and know that we will keep you in our prayers. may GOD hold you in the palm of his hand during this trying time.
So sorry for your family’s loss. Elaine was such a sweet kind person. We would often see Fred and Elaine on Fri fish fry night. It was always a joy to visit with them. May all your good memories give you peace at this time.
There is no way to describe the loss of this great lifelong friend only to know that in Gods hands she is free of the pain she was going through. I am limited in where and how i can help but please know you can call me and i will do anything i can to help. It is hard to deal with the loss of so many friends lately now including Ed Komatz. RIP dear friends and sincere r condolences to their families and friends,
So sorry on your loss. Elaine was a great lady
Our condolences to the family. What a great lady . Always had a smile and talked to everyone she seen. Our prayers go out to the family.
So sorry for your family’s loss…..
Elaine was really a special person. Her passion for music was appreciated in our little church in Arkdale. My sympathy to you all.
So very sorry for the families loss