Elaine G Gahl

Elaine G. Gahl, 76, of Mankato died Thursday, August 27, 2009 at Oaklawn Health Care Center in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 31, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Clair with Rev. Schneider presiding. Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2009 at Mankato Mortuary with a 4:00 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Elaine was born January 3, 1933 to William and Julianna (Kolar) Nienhaus in Tracy, MN. In 1951, she graduated from Winnebago High School. Elaine attended St. Teresa College and Mankato State University ultimately receiving her Masters Degree in Library Media. On November 9, 1963, Elaine was united in marriage to Joseph G. Gahl at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Winnebago. Mrs. Gahl was a farm wife and homemaker. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Her interests included playing bridge, reading, bird watching, listening to piano music and family time with children and grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by her two sons: Mark (Sheri) Gahl of Ham Lake and David (Sandra) Gahl of Janesville; one daughter, Nancy Gahl of Eden Prairie; four grandchildren: Cory Zachary, Megan, and Evan; one brother, Donald "Dutch" (Leone) Nienhaus; and one sister-in-law, Mary Ann Nienhaus. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 2001 and her brother, Bernard Nienhaus.