Elaine Kemnitz, 81, of Wood, SD passed away on Thursday, December 14th, 2023 at the Sanford Chamberlain Care Center in Chamberlain, SD. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 at 10:30AM at the Witten Baptist Church in Witten, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22nd, 2023 from 6-7PM with a 7PM prayer service at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Funeral Services will be live streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page. Click the link to watch the services: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063938806463

Elaine Lois Kemnitz went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 14, 2023. Elaine was born on May 26, 1942, to parents Walter and Mildred Harter (Aeschbacher). She joined older siblings Twila and Melvin along with Uncle Frank and Aunt Gladys in a home filled with much joy and laughter. The family lived on a farm located on the edge of Witten, South Dakota, which is still home to Melvin.

Elaine graduated in 1960 from Witten High School and furthered her education at National School of Business in Rapid City. On July 7, 1961, Elaine married Donald Kemnitz, the love of her life. Her life was then devoted to God, family and church. Born to this union were four children, Valinda, Lori, Linette and Darrell. Elaine's life was filled with song. She sang at church, many, many community funerals and to her grandchildren to keep them entertained. Some of her favorite songs were "Because He Lives," "In the Garden," and "He Walks with Me." Elaine was very active in church activities and the American Baptist Women's organization. She was usually in charge of crafts for vacation bible school and loved planning and attending women's conference at Camp Judson. Every event that Elaine participated in included laughter, jokes, and fun was had by all.

Going to Grandma Kemnitz's home was the event of the year, especially during holidays. It was always a celebration. Every bed was filled to capacity, and floor space was coveted. Games were played until the wee hours of the morning. Elaine's family legacy leaves mourning her passing four children, 11 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren (this includes 2 great-grandchildren on the way).

Elaine loved attending as many grandchildren's activities as time would allow. Included with this whirlwind of activity she also worked by Don's side on the ranch. Elaine's favorite part of the ranch was feeding her pet cows and a multitude of cats. The family remembers vividly the shouts of Grandpa Don: "Elaine!" when she was supposed to jump in front of an escaping cow.

Sadly, Elaine was overcome with Alzheimer's for many years, living under its horrific grip and consequences. What brings the family peace is that Elaine knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Jesus never left her once, even for a moment, for He said to her, "I will Never leave you, nor will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5. This is how God kept His daughter, Elaine.

Elaine is survived by her four children, Valinda (Casey) Bridgman of Wessington Springs, SD, Lori (Robert) Etrheim of Tyler, Minnesota, Linette (Scott) Christensen of Flandreau, SD, and Darrell (Cindy) Kemnitz of Vivian, SD; eleven grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren; her sister, Twila Hansen of Winner, SD, her brother, Melvin (Wilma) Harter of Witten, SD, & her aunt Gladys Harter of Winner, SD.

The Harter and Kemnitz families were a close-knit family. Elaine's extended family included her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Donald, her parents, Walter and Mildred Harter, her mother and father-in-law, Bud and Mildred Kemnitz, great-grandson, Brooks, brothers-in-law, Harold Worden, Virgil Hansen, and Stanley Paulson, sister-in-law, Leanne Kemnitz, nephew, Brian Worden, great-nephew Taylor Watzel, and uncle Frank Aeschbacher.