– Elaine Ardell Bowman was born July 22, 1926 in Crookston, to Charles and Emma (Hegland) Bowman, and died August 11, 2023 at the Lakewood Health System in Staples.
The Bowman family lived in Barton, N.D., Kelliher, and Thief River Falls, where Elaine graduated from Lincoln High School.
On October 19, 1944 she united in marriage with Roman Arthur Radniecki. They lived in Deer Park Township, and moved around as needed with Roman’s construction jobs. The couple lived on their farm near Oklee until moving to Staples, where they lived from 1970 to 1997. Elaine and Roman returned to Oklee after Roman’s retirement.
Elaine held many community volunteer positions in her lifetime, as a 4-H leader for 16 years in Pennington Co. and an additional six years in Wadena Co., as well as Farmers Union President and convention delegate. She was a member of the Bit & Bridle Saddle Club, a Garden Club member, Secretary for Pennington Country DFL, and Secretary for the Red Lake County Committee on Aging Board. She was also a Volunteer Senior Worker, Treasurer of the Sacred Heart Women’s church group, bowling league president for three years, Secretary of Rural Education Resource Center for five years, and she took part in Minnesota State Hay Lift.
Elaine owned and operated Elaine’s Fabrics fabric store out of their Staples home’s converted garage for eight years. It was a perfect match for Elaine’s love of sewing and quilting.
Elaine was multi-talented, creative, artistic, and she loved working and talking with people. While not involved in community service, Elaine attended college classes in Art at Bemidji State College and American History classes at Northland Junior College. She was a skilled seamstress, quilter, and even dabbled in paint and pottery. Many a community play included her as an actress or director.
Elaine loved doing crossword puzzles and her love of reading was legendary with her family, as was her love of travel. She traveled all over the United States and as far away as Norway, China, and Ireland. Elaine was heard to say she was going to Hawaii if she had to walk. Luckily, she flew instead. Elaine and Roman spent many a pleasant winter in Apache Junction, AZ.
Elaine is survived by her children, Keith (Shari) Radniecki, Verndale, Renay (Bill Bowman) Radniecki, Crescent City, CA, Elizabeth (Richard) Raebel, Hudson, WI, Paula Radniecki, Chesapeake, VA, and Charles (Carol) Radniecki, Coon Rapids; twelve grandchildren, Cathy Pangrac, Lori Buchta, Keith Radniecki, David Radniecki, Michael Bowman, Melissa Pearson, Jennifer Radniecki, Charles Radniecki, Garrett Raebel, Jordanne Nygaard, Katianna Radniecki and Tanasha Cooke; eighteen great-grandchildren; sister, Marlene Johnson; and sister-in-law; Therese Radniecki; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Emma Bowman; husband, Roman Radniecki; son, Ross Radniecki; daughter, Regene Radniecki; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caregivers of Lakewood Health System and the Lakewood Hospice group in Staples for all their wonderful care of their mother during her final four years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 21, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, with Father Bryan Kujawa officiating. Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery near Oklee.
Visitation will start at 9 a.m. and run until a Rosary Service, which will be held at 10:30 a.m., with the Mass at 11 a.m., all at the church on Monday.
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