Elaine Hanson Welle, 93, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, with her family by her side at Valley Care & Rehab in Barnesville, MN. 

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Friday, November 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 Century Ave., Bismarck, with Deacon Randy Frohlich officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. 

Elaine was born on September 7, 1933, in Barnesville, MN, the daughter of Julian and Clara Hanson. She spent her childhood in Barnesville and Dilworth, MN, and graduated from Dilworth High School. On September 13, 1952, she married Gene Welle in Moorhead, MN. 

In 1962, the family moved to Bismarck, ND. Elaine and Gene owned and operated Gene Welle Construction until they retired in 1977. They were fortunate to travel throughout the country in their camper and spend many years at their home on Brush Lake, wintering in Texas and at their home in Arizona. They also took an unforgettable trip to Alaska with their son, Bob. Elaine loved fishing, camping, traveling, playing cards, going to the casino, and spending time with family and friends. But most of all, she loved her family. Nothing made her smile bigger or laugh harder than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they adored her. 

Elaine was an amazing cook, well known for her special spaghetti sauce, which was requested by everyone. She welcomed everyone who came into her home and treated them like family. In 2012, she moved to Arizona to be closer to her daughter, Cindy. In 2021, she moved to Barnesville, where she made many new friends. 

Elaine is survived by her children: Cindy (Ed) Steidler, Robert (Flora Vallier) Welle, Rich (Cheryl) Welle, Carla (Tyler Vetter) Welle, and Renee Welle. Grandchildren: Jodie Welle, Travis (Heather) Welle, Victoria Steidler, Bryce Steidler, Amber (Levi) Valdez, Alex (Trey) Galloway, Madison Welle, Hayden (Kallie) Welle, Landon (Taylor) Welle, Gene Keller, April (C.J.) Bernabucci, and Tallen (Alyssa) Keller. Great-grandchildren: Dalton Welle, Jacksen, Bosten, and Brecken Welle, Cohen Valdez, Stella and Lois Sullivan, Jack and Millie Bernabucci, and Hunter Keller, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her son, Gene Jr.; her parents, Julian and Clara; and her siblings, Red, Donna, Jan, Garon, Glennys, and Patty. 

Elaine's family would like to thank the staff at Valley Care & Rehab for the amazing care and love they gave her. They all hold a very special place in her heart and in ours, especially her special "adopted" granddaughter, Hayley Hoppe. The family would also like to thank HIA Hospice Care for the loving care they provided.