Elaine Pollert, 92, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo, ND. Her funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Friday, February 28 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kathryn, ND. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.
Elaine Clara Hardtke was born September 8, 1932. She was the oldest child of Clarence and Rose (Freehauf) Hardtke. She grew up on the family farm south of Marion and attended school in LaMoure. After high school, Elaine attended college in Valley City where she obtained her teaching certificate. She taught school in a one room schoolhouse in Barnes County. On July 27, 1952, she married Duane Pollert. Duane and Elaine lived and farmed in the Marion area, and later near Fort Ranson, ND. They moved to Kathryn, ND in 1966.
Elaine and Duane were inseparable throughout their lives, doing everything together. Elaine loved raising her family. She spent many hours in her garden and kitchen where she could be found cooking and baking. Those who were fortunate enough to taste her homemade bread were always in for a real treat. Elaine cooked at the Kathryn School for several years. She was involved in community activities and enjoyed teaching Sunday school, attending Ladies Circle, and quilting at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Elaine enjoyed visiting her many friends.
In 2014 Duane and Elaine moved to Valley City. In 2020, Elaine entered Bethany Nursing Home where she was on a first name basis with staff and residents.
Elaine is survived by her children Berniece Bosch and Bonnie Goecke (Bruce) all of Fargo, Mark (Dianna) of Jamestown, Melanie (Patrick) Sawyer of Shakopee, MN; brother Robert Hardtke of Jamestown; sister Marleen Schell of Grants Pass, Oregon; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, a brother Arnold Hardtke and son-in-law Curt Kasin
Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kathryn.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com