Elaine Patricia Hogberg

Elaine Hogberg, 73, of Willmar, died Saturday, July 11 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her service will be 2:00 pm, Friday, August 14, at Carrie's Chapel at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Thursday, August 13, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to her service.  Burial is in Tromso Cemetery in rural Lake Lillian.  

Elaine Patricia Hogberg was born on May 6, 1953, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Wilton and Eleanor (Halverson) Bomsta. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Lake Lillian. Elaine was raised in Lake Lillian, where she attended elementary school before graduating from Atwater High School with the Class of 1971.

On June 12, 1971, Elaine married John Gronli at Grace Lutheran Church in Lake Lillian. Together they were blessed with four children: Derek, Mary, Sara, and Seth. They made their home in Spicer and later Willmar, where they raised their family. The couple later divorced, and Elaine eventually moved to St. Paul before returning to the Willmar area.

Throughout her life, Elaine held a variety of careers. She worked as an engineer for BNSF, operated an in-home daycare, was employed at the St. Paul Hotel, and served as a mental health professional in the Crisis Center at Woodland Centers.

Elaine found joy in gardening, rescuing animals, and sharing her love of music. She sang at numerous weddings and funerals over the years and directed the children's choir at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer. She had a special gift for making others feel valued and cared for, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Above all, Elaine treasured her family and especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by her children, Derek Gronli, Mary (Jamie) Hagen, Sara (Eric) Behr, and Seth Gronli; her grandchildren, Matthew Gronli, Cole Hagen, Katie Hagen, Eli Hagen, Elise Behr, and Bryn Behr; her siblings, LaVonne Hookom and Stan (Gloria) Bomsta; along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilton and Eleanor Bomsta; her sister, Annette Schmiedeker; her nephew, Donald Schmiedeker; and her brothers-in-law, Bob Hookom and Lynn Schmiedeker.

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