Elaine Greer

Elaine Victoria (Rosendahl) Greer, 69, of Spirit Lake passed away peacefully August 15th, 2024, at Accura Healthcare of Milford in the presence of her family.

A memorial service for Elaine will be held Saturday, September 7th at 1:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM on Friday, September 6th with the family present from 5:00-7:00 PM at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. The family request you wear Spirit Lake Indian Wear to the visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Spirit Lake Community School Foundation (PO Box 46 Spirit Lake, IA 51360) or Grace Lutheran Church (801 Hill Avenue Spirit Lake, IA 51360).

Elaine was born in Fort Dodge on August 22, 1954, to Dale and Mary (Pearson) Rosendahl. She grew up in Manson, attending school and graduating from Manson High School. She continued her education at Iowa Central Community College and graduated with a BA from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. She received her master’s degree in counseling from Drake University. 

Scott Greer and Elaine Rosendahl met on a blind date set up by her counseling co-worker and Scott’s nursing co-worker. On August 5, 1995, Elaine married Scott at Grace Lutheran Church.

On March 6, 2000, during a blizzard, Scott and Elaine became the proud parents of Jeffrey, who became their son through adoption.

Elaine was an educator for more than 35 years. She began her career teaching business in Graettinger and then moved to Leon where she taught at Central Decatur. After moving to Spirit Lake and continuing to teach business, Elaine made the transition to the at-risk counselor in the mid 90’s and eventually became the full-time guidance counselor. As an active member of the Spirit Lake Community School District, she continued supporting students outside of the classroom as the academic decathlon instructor and a Peer Helper Leader, where she guided students in learning to be mentors and leaders. Elaine was affectionately known as “Rose” by her former students.

As an active member in the ISEA (Iowa State Education Association), Elaine had made many connections and lifelong friends. She knew no stranger. Elaine retired from her guidance counselor position in 2013. Her love for the community and supporting students continued by way of taking tickets for Spirit Lake athletic events and working as a substitute teacher throughout the Lakes region. 

Elaine loved to bake. Her famous banana bars and pumpkin bars were always a favorite of her colleagues, students, and her family. Her Christmas deliveries of lefse and Swedish nuts were a favorite of hers and her recipients. 

Elaine’s favorite hobby was collecting Longaberger Baskets and Stamping Up. She made beautiful cards to send to friends and family. Eventually she became a Longaberger Sales Representative (to disguise the number of baskets she was acquiring). She was masterful at decorating her home with them.

There were not many people that Elaine didn’t know. She touched countless lives and was always there for anyone who needed her day or night. There was a time while on vacation in San Francisco that she ran into someone she knew from home! 

Her caring and affectionate spirit resonated with all.

Left to cherish her beloved memory are her husband of 29 years, Scott Greer of Spirit Lake, IA; her son Jeffrey and his wife Noreen (Morrow) of Ankeny, IA and one grandchild, Sullivan "Sully"; sister Carolyn (Rosendahl) Morse and her husband Mike of Des Moines, IA and nephew Martin, of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; brother Nels and his daughters Carrie and Joella; father and mother in-law Edwin and Anna Greer of Gonzales, TX; sister-in-law Tracy Greer of Big Lake, MN; sister-in-law Joy Greer of Garber, OK; brother-in-law Joel Greer (Maxine) of Harker Heights, TX; sister-in-law Lynnette Junkins (Mark) of Crowley TX, as well as nieces, nephews, relatives, and beloved friends.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Mary Rosendahl and many aunts, uncles and cousins.