Elaine Banks

Elaine E. Banks, 91, of Lake Mills, WI passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Lilac Springs.

Elaine was born on August 4, 1926 in Oak Park, Illinois the daughter of Alfred and Kathryn (Schneiberger) Ernst. She met the love of her life, John Banks while he was playing basketball. He came up to Elaine and asked her if she would enjoy a life-saver, and the rest is history. The two were united in marriage on March 2, 1944 and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage together until his death in 2005. They were also blessed with a wonderful daughter, Cindy. Elaine was a caring and fun mother and would always welcome Cindy’s friends into their home. She instilled in her family the important lesson of treating others as they would wish to be treated and this lesson was carried on by her daughter and her grandchildren. Elaine had many joys in life. She appreciated jewelry, a good cup of coffee, spending time with her friends and traveling to name a few. Elaine also enjoyed talking on the phone and would speak with her family often. She was a woman of faith and daily Bible reading was a routine for her, especially in her later years. Elaine’s family was her most prized possession. She was happiest when spending time with her loved ones. She will be dearly missed.

Elaine is survived by: her loving daughter, Cindy (Fred) Gremmels; 3 Granddaughters, Jen (Mike) Podolak, Julie (Chad) Kreblin, and Jeanette (Phil) Frawley; 5 Great-grandchildren, John, Mya, Izzie, Audrey, and Peyton.

She is preceded in death by:  her parents, and her loving husband John.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Elaine’s honor may be made to Rainbow Hospice, or Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church – Food to Go and Grow Program.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home in Watertown, WI with the Rev. Todd Iverson presiding. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00AM until the time of service. Interment will follow the service at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia, WI.