Elayne Marie (Glaeser) Hested was born on Jan. 10, 1941, during a Minnesota snowstorm in Buffalo Lake, Minn. Elayne was the fourth of eleven children born to Marvin W. and Bernice C. (Michaelson) Glaeser.

Elayne grew up in Buffalo Lake, where she embraced every opportunity school had to offer. She was active in the school play, was nominated Homecoming Queen, contributed to the school newspaper and yearbook staff, and proudly cheered on her classmates as a member of the cheerleading squad. Elayne graduated with the Buffalo Lake High School Class of 1959, carrying with her a vibrant personality and a love for people that would define her life.

Following her graduation, Elayne attended St. Cloud State University before moving to Minneapolis, where she began working for an insurance agency. In the fall of 1961, fate introduced her to a young teacher and coach named Ron Hested. Ron and Elayne found an immediate connection between them that was undeniable. Their love story led them to the altar on Aug. 18, 1962, when they were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake, Minn. Together they built a beautiful life, first in Buffalo Lake before moving to Waukon, Iowa, then Kenyon, Minn., and finally settling in Fairmont, Minn., in 1972, where they established deep roots and lifelong friendships.

Elayne found a career she truly enjoyed as the office manager for Early Childhood Education. She appreciated the flexibility the position offered, allowing her to devote herself to raising the couple’s three sons, Tim, Michael, and Brad, who were the pride and joy of her life.

For Elayne, God and family were always the foundation upon which everything else was built. Her compassion extended beyond her immediate family. Following the passing of her mother and during her father’s illness, when her younger brother Neal needed a home, Elayne and Ron welcomed him with open arms, raising him as one of their own.

Gifted with remarkable creativity, Elayne had an artist’s eye and a servant’s heart. Whether she was decorating her home, painting, making crafts, or transforming everyday items into something beautiful, she found joy in creating. Despite living in a house full of boys, her tool drawer was famously stocked with just about everything needed to tackle repairs around the house.

Elayne had an extraordinary gift for hospitality. She delighted in decorating for every holiday, planning memorable gatherings, and even dressing up to match the festivities. She believed every celebration should make people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her home was more than beautifully decorated, it was filled with laughter, warmth, delicious food, and open doors.

Nothing brought Elayne greater happiness than her family. She could always be found enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines at her children’s and later her grandchildren’s sporting events. She faithfully supported Ron throughout his coaching career, attending countless games and graciously opening their home to players, coaches, and friends following competitions. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church for 52 years and served her church in many ways, especially enjoying her time as a member of Sarah Circle. In their retirement, Elayne and Ron wintered in Arizona with many cherished friends throughout the years.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Ronald Hested; three sons, Timothy (Tammie) Hested, Michael (Laurie) Hested, and Brad (Shalayh) Hested; grandchildren, Brett Hested, Lukas (Karina) Hested, Jack Hested, Sam Hested, Anna (Matt) Miller, Phil Biendenbender, Noah Hested, and Lauren Hested; great-granddaughter, Peyton Michele Hested; two brothers, Jack (Diane) Glaeser and Neal (Kerry) Glaeser; sisters, Paula (Greg) Straub, Barbara Loftness, Patricia Gilbertson, Carol (Terry) Murray, and Deanna Glaeser; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Elayne was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Bernice Glaeser, three brothers, Warren Glaser, Steven Glaeser, and Allen Glaeser; as well as several brothers-in-law and extended family.

The family requests memorials be made in Elayne’s name to the Fairmont Booster Club and Grace Lutheran Church. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]