Elaine Ann Chandler of Hixton, WI passed away on June 27th 2024 at Meadowbrook Nursing
Home in Black River Falls at the age of 81.
Elaine was born to Esther (Larson) and Gilbert Nelson on November 21, 1942 in Black River
Falls. As the only daughter out of six children she learned at a young age to be independent and
strong willed. Growing up, her favorite thing to do was ride her horse. After chores she would
ditch her brothers and ride off to who knows where. Sometimes she wouldn’t return for days.
She liked horses more than most people.
Anyone who has ever had a conversation with Elaine will know that she is opinionated. She did
not hold back and you always knew where you stood with her, good or bad. Usually, she could
find a way to make you laugh. She was stubborn and proud of it. If she got something in her
head that she wanted to do, you could not dissuade her. She was a force.
Elaine was very talented in the arts. Drawing, painting, leatherwork and writing the occasional
little limerick. She did it all. From painting beautiful scenes on saw blades or canvases to an
array of stamped leatherwork, she was always working on something. The leatherwork she did
was for a hobby and also for sale. She made belts, wallets, vests, saddlebags and chaps. Once
she even made the most incredible saddle for her favorite horse.
She loved to read and her bookshelves show it. Elaine could have filled a library. The house is
filled with of puzzles and games. She liked things that challenged her.
At Christmas there was always cookies, banana bread and other treats for everyone to take
home when the day was done. Almost everyone in the family has received at least one hand
made quilt from her. Sewn with love and sass. She was well known in the Hixton area for her
amazing lefsa during the winter months.
Her family will miss her dearly. The house is quiet without her. You can feel her absence but her
spirit is free to ride horses all day. Enjoying the sun on her face and the wind in her hair.
She is survived by her husband Lyle Chandler. Her children, Peggy Stutlien, Melanie Bolen,
Tom Chandler, and Lynn Crawford. The granddaughter that she raised, Shelby Chandler plus
several more grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her brother Loren Nelson and good friend
Bonnie Walton who was there with her when she passed. She was proceeded in death by her
parents and brothers Cy, Merle, Dale and Glen Nelson.
Visitation will be held on July 8th, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jensen-Modjeski
Funeral Home in Hixton, WI. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 9th at 2:00 p.m. at
the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, followed by a burial at the York Pigeon Creek Cemetery.
Pastor Elden Simonson will officiate.
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