Elaine Hess

Elaine Elizabeth Hess, 90, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2011 at Colonial Manor. She was born in Wausau, August 20, 1920 and grew up on Wausau's west side. In youth she attended Marathon County Normal School (now the UW Marathon County campus). She studied under several piano teachers. She married the last of these, Norman Hess, on October 8, 1938 at a little Methodist church in Stevens Point.
Together on stage they delivered duo piano concerts in Wausau, Marshfield, and Minneapolis. In the 1940's and 50's she also delivered two sons who survive. Other survivors include a sister, two granddaughters, and two great-grandsons.
Her appreciation of beauty also extended to photography, painting, art, calligraphy (Italic writing) and an interest in interior decorating, which was mirrored by the taste and color with which she furnished her homes.
Most important to her was her quest for spiritual truth, something she received from her father and to which she dedicated herself wholeheartedly over the last several decades.
Although extremely modest about her abilities, her openness and her curiosity were vital to her existence and enabled her to interest her son Paul at an early age in art and drawing, as well as to successfully nurture his later musical interests and activities.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce Street, Wausau. Friends and family may call beginning at 12 noon at the funeral home until the time of service. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.