Elaine Christine Orman

Elaine Christine (Anderson) Orman passed away peacefully at Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood on May 2, 2025, at age 101. She was born on February 27, 1924, in rural Steele County, near Blooming Prairie, MN, to Soren and Christena Anderson. She graduated from Austin, MN High School in May 1942. Her immediate family consisted of sisters, Marie (Ed) Paape, Florence (Maynard) Blowers, Agnes (Ben) VonFeldt; brothers, William (Nellie), Clarence (Vera) and Andrew (Dorothy). Elaine was the youngest and also the last survivor of her immediate family. Her formative years were greatly affected by the Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, WWII, and whooping cough.

On November 9, 1946, she married Earl Orman in Racine, MN. Elaine was baptized and confirmed in March 1947. They lived in Renova, MN, until March 1, 1949, when they first moved to the Northwood area to farm. They joined Deer Creek Lutheran Church in Carpenter. In March 1967, they moved to rural St. Ansgar and continued farming. During these years, they raised three children, Carol, Darryl, and Nancy. In 1979, Earl and Elaine retired from farming and moved to Northwood. After Earl’s passing, Elaine joined Peace Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Elaine cooked meals at the Lutheran Retirement Home for over 13 years and enjoyed serving family, friends and community members in many other ways. She was a thoughtful woman who aged gracefully with remarkable health and the resolve of a thrifty and strong-willed farmer.

She insisted on push-mowing her own lawn in her 80s. When macular degeneration made driving too difficult, she rented an apartment in Northwood within walking distance of her necessities – the library, church, grocery store, pharmacy and post office, a routine she diligently continued well into her 90s.

Her family enjoyed her clever and insightful quips about current events, ageing and friends and family into her 100s. In 2024 at her 100th birthday party, she stood and told the dozens of friends and family members that she loved and appreciated everyone who gathered to celebrate her, and she enjoyed reminiscing about family members and special occasions.

Elaine resided at the Pines Assisted Living beginning in 2019 and enjoyed making new friends. Elaine enjoyed the simple things in life such as bible study, cooking, sewing, crafts, reading, gardening, canning, crossword puzzles, board games and playing with her grandchildren. She also loved supporting her extended family.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy (Phil) Cooper; son, Darryl; grandchildren, Derrick Orman, Nathan (Laura) Cooper, Danielle (Cory) Townsend, and Devin Cooper; great-grandchildren, Brandi, Bailey, and Alyssa; great-great grandchildren, Hayvin and Holden; special family member, Mary Levine; and several extended family and friends.

Those preceding her in death include her husband, Earl; daughter, Carol (Wayne) Levine; and all her immediate family members.

Memorial contributions in Elaine’s honor can be made to Northwood Lutheran Retirement Home Auxiliary or Peace Lutheran Church of Northwood.

The funeral service for Elaine will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Hoff Celebrations – Sites Memorial Chapel in Northwood. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Sunset Rest Cemetery. Hoff Celebrations is assisting the family with arrangements.