Elaine Idso, 80, died Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 30, 2005 " 3:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Jay Borchert, officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN

Visitation will be Friday, 4:00 until 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 8:00 PM and Saturday one hour prior to the service all at the funeral home.

Elaine June Bessler was born June 14, 1924 in Thief River Falls, MN, the daughter of Otto Henry and Elsie Bertha (Furstneau) Bessler. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls where she remained a lifelong member. Elaine attended school in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942.

Elaine worked at Union State Bank for many years. On May 30, 1954, she was united in marriage to Sherman T. Idso. They resided in Thief River Falls and raised three children. After Shermans death in 1975, Elaine went to work at the Fountain of Jewels, retiring in 1989. She also taught piano lessons from her home.

At a very early age, Elaine began piano instruction with the Catholic nuns. By age twelve, she was an organist at her church where she continued to play for over sixty years. In addition, she assisted as organist at United Methodist Church. Elaine shared her gift of music with the church as organist, soloist, pianist, choir director and hand bell choir director. She played and sang for countless weddings, funerals, and special occasions throughout the region.

Elaine enjoyed cooking, entertaining, flower gardening, traveling and shopping. She cherished spending time with her family. She had a great appreciation for animals, especially her granddogs.

She is survived by her children Sheldon (Becky) Idso, Clive, IA; Shari (Bradley) Storbakken, Grand Forks, ND; Dr. Sherwood B. (Carolyn) Idso, Tempe, AZ; grandchildren Ingrid, Maren and Kylie Idso; along with Sherwood and Carolyns children Grant, Keith, Craig, Lance, Jennifer and Julene. Elaine is also survived by her sisters in law Eva Scott, Council Bluffs, IA; and Jessie Bessler, Badger, MN; 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman on February 1, 1975, brother, Earl H. Bessler, sister, Ruth Jensen and her parents.

Memorials are suggested to Mayo Foundation in memory of Elaine J. Idso, Department of Development, 200 1st St. W. Rochester, MN 55905