Elaine Henke, age 89, of Chippewa Falls passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026 at the Chippewa Manor.

Elaine was born in Eau Claire to Ray Cramblit Sr. and Eva (Schiffelbine) Cramblit. She graduated from Memorial High School in 1955. On July 30, 1963, she married the love of her life, Marvin "Ike" Henke. Elaine and Ike shared 44 years of marriage and a life filled with companionship, adventures, family, friends and many treasured memories.

Elaine was a talented crocheter and spent countless hours creating afghans, blankets, dish scrubbies and many other handmade items. She enjoyed making things for family and friends as well as creating items for craft sales. The things she made were more than simply crafts; they were pieces of Elaine that will continue to be treasured.

Elaine enjoyed country music, traveling, fishing, cards, bingo, crocheting, knitting and sharing a good meal with family and friends. She appreciated life's simple pleasures and most importantly, the people with whom she shared them.

She was also a devoted Wisconsin sports fan and faithfully followed the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. If one of her teams was playing, there was a good chance Elaine was watching.

Elaine will be remembered for her quick wit, her honesty, her independent and feisty spirit and the genuine way she lived her life. She never pretended to be anyone other than herself.

Elaine is survived by her brother, Grant Cramblit of Eau Claire; nephew, Eric Cramblit; nieces, Ann (Chris) Hewitt and Renee (Jason) Boehm; Marvin's daughter, Sharon Erdman; grandchildren, Becky Conrad, Scott (Jody) Erdman, Theresa (John) Pettis, Steven (Mark) Nauman; great-grandchildren, Daniel Leduc, Lola and Hudson Erdman, Cassandra, Elizabeth, Catherine and Samantha Herrick, Michael and Matthew Herrick; great-great-grandchildren, Tate and Grayson Leduc and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin "Ike" Henke; her parents; brother, Ray Jr.; her best friend and sister, Claire; an infant sister; Marvin's daughter, Sandra Nauman; sons-in-law, Duane "Butch" Nauman, LaMoine Erdman; grandchild, Tammy Herrick; great-grandchild, Emily Rose Herrick and special friend, Skip Battcher.

A celebration of life will be held at 1pm Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral - West Chapel, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave. Eau Claire. Visitation will be one hour prior to the celebration of life at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire.

The family would like to thank caregivers Mary and Karl Larson, and the staff at Chippewa Manor for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Adult Special Olympics 2023 Fairfax St. Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.