Elaine Idell Plakke

Elaine I. Plakke, age 91, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Vista Prairie North Pointe in North Mankato, MN. She was born on the family farm near Leader, MN on August 17, 1933 to Ingeborg and Adolph Bjelde. After graduation from Motley High School and teacher training she taught at a one-room school house near New Sweden, MN.

She married Myrland “Mike” Wetter in 1953 and raised four children in Gaylord, North Mankato and Mankato, MN. The marriage ended in divorce; later in 1972 she married Donald Plakke. They resided in North Mankato and after retirement enjoyed RV camping throughout the U.S., settling for a few years in Corpus Christi, Texas. After Don’s death, Elaine returned to her beloved Minnesota.

Elaine was known for her beautiful smile, warm heart, and friendly nature which many knew firsthand through her work at The Wagon Wheel, Michael’s Restaurant, and Jack & Jill Grocery. In her early years at Vista Prairie she enjoyed serving as Ambassador -- befriending and orienting new residents to the facility and reading to children at the Taylor Library.

Her greatest joy was being a mother and homemaker; she loved sewing clothing and home decor, and growing flowers. Her face would light up with any news of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine also found great joy in following the Minnesota Twins, reading the Mankato Free Press, listening to the Bee Gees, watching Forensics shows, shoveling snow in the early morning and walking her springer spaniel on forest trails.

She is survived by her children, Keith Wetter (Mankato, MN); Kate (Vern) Watters (Aitkin, MN); and Laurie (Donn) Lind (Spring Green, WI); daughter-in-law Deborah Wetter; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Wetter; husband, Donald Plakke; brother, Gordon Bjelde; sister, Darlene Judd and ex-husband Mike Wetter.

Thank you to Dr. Chaun Cox of Mayo Clinic for years of exceptional care; and to the staff of Vista Prairie, Brighton Hospice and Adara Home Care.

As a 40-year survivor of colon cancer with numerous surgeries and treatments, she thought her body “would be very interesting,” so she donated it to Rochester Mayo Anatomy Department for study.  Per her wishes, a gathering of immediate family will be held at a later date.