Elaine Hunt Kriss, born Marion Elaine Hunt, 80, of Rochester, was called home Wednesday, November 6, 2019.
Lainy was born November 18, 1938 in Mason City, Iowa. Her parents Blanche and Earl Hunt moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota where she grew up with her siblings, Dorthy, Howard and Linda. Lainy attended Albert Lea High and played French Horn in the band, was a cheerleader and a member of the homecoming royalty. She married her high school sweetheart and had 3 children, Robert (Peggy, Eli) Wangen, Jayne (Ian) Dock, and John (Chara, Beckler and Gracie) Wangen. The family moved to Oregon, Lainy returned to Rochester with her children 4 years later where she turned her positivity and love of people into a 25-year career at the Mayo Clinic. She worked on the 19th floor as a receptionist and then moved to referring physicians, making friends and having a positive impact on many lives.
She married the love of her life, Joseph G. Kriss, in 1985 and added her bonus family including Alex and Susan (Jonathan and Barbara) Kriss, Joe and Lainy traveled frequently and had a deep love that lasted beyond his passing in 2011. She then moved from Byron, Minnesota to Arbor Terrace in Rochester making new friends. Lainy had many artistic talents, card making, gardening, music, decorating her home and making all things beautiful. As God makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecc 3:11) Her genuine love for and interest in others, kindness, sincerity, sense of humor, and smile will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her children, 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 20, 2020 at Byron United Methodist Church in Byron. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Beth Perez officiating this “Celebration of Life”.
