Elaine Struve, 97, of Whiting, Iowa, formerly of Manning, Iowa, died Monday, March 5, 2018, at Pleasant View Care Center in Whiting, Iowa.

Visitation will be 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday, March 9, 2018, at the Rush Family Chapel in Onawa, Iowa. Graveside services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the Manning City Cemetery, Manning, Iowa, with Reverend Nancy Anderson, officiating. Memorial services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the First Congregational Church, U.C.C. in Whiting, Iowa, with Pastor Nea Stepp, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa.

Elaine was born November 9, 1920, near Manning, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Emma (Ruhde) Karsten. She graduated from Manning High School in 1937.

Elaine and Merlin Struve were united in marriage on October 9, 1940. They had one daughter, Frances.

The couple enjoyed bowling and fishing. Elaine loved crocheting and making handiwork for friends and family. Family was always first for her.

She was very active in her community, the Presbyterian Church, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, as well as several other organizations. She was especially proud of her work on Manning's Weihnachtsfest celebrations. In 1981, she was named "Manning's Centennial Senior Queen."

She worked her entire life. She worked as a bookkeeper at various jobs. In 1965 she began working for Dr. John R. Hornberger, M.D. and then continued with the St. Anthony Clinic in Manning as an administrative assistant until she retired in 2006. At that time, she moved to Whiting, and resided in the assisted living facility for ten years and at Pleasant View Care Center for the past year.

Survivors include her daughter, Frances (Robert) Haack of Whiting, Iowa; grandchildren, Heidi (Heath) Allen of Whiting, and Heather (Eric) Nichols of Whiting; great-grandchildren, Zachary Allen of Ames, and Hannah Allen of Whiting; several nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Emma Karsten; husband, Merlin Struve in 1984; siblings, Rosella (Roy) Hargens, Lester (Florence) Karsten, Edna (Joe) Sonksen, and Florence (Merlin) Schroeder; and one great-grandson, William Nichols.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.rushfamilycareservice.com