Elaine was born in Chicago, IL, on September 28, 1929, one of eleven children born to William and Rosemary (Keslin) Degnan. After graduating from school there, she married Ray M. Wittenkeller on September 18,1948. She was considered a business woman by her family, as she was constantly working when she had the chance. Most of her career she worked as a purchasing agent for a steel company. When not working, Elaine was a dedicated homemaker and mother. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially swimming, skiing, and camping. When not outside, she enjoyed reading, watching old movies, and trips to the casino. She was especially proud of her family, and enjoyed the time spent with her children and grandchildren.
Elaine is survived by her husband, Ray M. Wittenkeller; three children, Barry (Jane) Wittenkeller, of Burnsville, MN; Christian (Barbara) Wittenkeller, of Addison, IL; Jay (Cathryn) Wittenkeller, of Spokane, WA; six brothers and sisters, Rosemary Larson, of Jacksonville, FL; William (Patricia) Degnan, of Schererville, IN; James Degnan, of Schererville, IN; Phyllis (Don) Tomczak of Chicago, IL; Patricia (John) Crotty, of Hickory Hills, IL; George (Patricia) Degnan, of Chicago, IL; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Douglas, Brian, and Kristin Wittenkeller.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Christine; two granddaughters, Emily and Allison; three sisters, Eleanor Dalton, Kay Dundin, and Florence Blider; one brother, Jack Degnan.
Father Gerald Schmidt and Deacon Harold Orlowski led a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon on Tuesday, April 18, 2000, at Saint Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lakewood. Friends called upon the family at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial at the Forest Home Cemetery. Suminski Funeral Home of Wabeno served the family.