On July 8, 2024, even at Elaine M. Gansen's weakest hour, she was in control and determined the right time to walk with Jesus.

Visitation for Elaine will be held from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 11:30 a.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial for Elaine will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, New Melleray, rural Peosta, Iowa with Rev. Martin Obeng.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Elaine was born the oldest child of Lester D. and Lillian A. (McDermott) Callahan on April 28, 1939, at their home in Fillmore, Iowa. Elaine lived her grade school and teenage years on Bluff Street in Dubuque. She graduated high school from St. Joseph's Academy. Elaine married William P. "Bill" Gansen on September 5, 1959, at St. Raphael's Cathedral, Dubuque.  Bill preceded her in death on April 17, 1996.

She was an active member of the Holy Family Parish and the Rosary Society in New Melleray, rural Peosta, Iowa.  Before retiring to homemaker, she worked at Eagles Market in Dubuque.

While initially hesitant to move to the farm in Peosta, Elaine quickly learned to love country life.  She was very clear about her desire to live out all her years on the farm… her wish was granted.

Elaine was at her best when being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She enjoyed time at home hanging at the swimming pool with family and friends.  She also jumped at the chance to travel and hit the slots at the casino.  To say her family was blessed to have her is an understatement.

She is survived by six children, Tammy (Denny) VanCleve of Peosta,  Jeff (Julie) Gansen of Farley, Bonnie (Tom) Edlund of Oakdale, MN, Ken (Lori) Gansen of Farley, Billy (Wendy) Gansen and Cathy (Bob) Kenneally both of Peosta; 13 grandchildren, Mitch (Libby), Chris(Ali), Dylan (Ashley), and Dain (Claire Nieman) Gansen, Monica (Matt) Droeske, Shane (Shelby) Gansen, and Mariah (Reilly) Ryan, Amber (Zach) Heim, Brandon (Lexie Klinkhammer) Gansen, Alyssa (Miguel) Elizondo, Morgan Edlund, Ryan and Daniel Kenneally; 15 great grandchildren, Crew, Stevie, Kit, Nora, Henry, Nellie, and Lucy Gansen, Waylon, Oaklen, Easton, and Bowen Droeske, Kaiden, Koy, and Kam Heim, and Mia Elizondo; two sisters, Juanita Bakey, and Becky (Terry) Lyons, both of Dubuque; sisters-in-law, Barb Callahan, and Mary Lou McFadden both of Dubuque.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Sean Kenneally; brothers, Daniel Callahan, and Donald Callahan; sisters, Kay (William) Reardon and Debbie Callahan; brother-in-law, Jerry Bakey; father and mother-in-law, William V. and Marie (Theisen) Gansen.

Elaine's family would like to thank her Dubuque and University of Iowa Medical Care Team, Epworth EMS, and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

A Video Tribute may be viewed, and online condolences may be given to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com