Elaine Greve, 87, of Wayne, died at her home Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 5 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Salem Lutheran Church in Wakefield. Burial will follow in the Wakefield Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield.
Elaine was born Nov. 25, 1938 in Wakefield, the daughter of Morris and Mildred “Mick” (Smith) Thomsen. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. Following her graduation from Wakefield High School in 1956, she attended beauty school in Norfolk in April of 1957. For several years, she owned her own business in Wakefield. She kept her Cosmetology license until 2026. On Feb. 8, 1959 she married William “Bill” Greve at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. For many years, they lived on the farm near Wakefield, before moving into Wayne.
She was a long-time member of Salem Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for 35 years. Elaine was on the Christian Education Committee, the Hospitality Committee, and a member of the quilters group. For over 50 years, Elaine donated her time to the Wayne County Fair at the Ag Hall for the twelve and under exhibits. She enjoyed working in the yard, crocheting, reading, and embroidery.
Survivors include her son, Wes (Pennie) Greve of Wakefield; daughters, Deb (Roger) Leonard of Pender and Linda (Rod) Gilliland of Wakefield;; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Kenneth (Julie) Thomsen of Wakefield, and Jim (Karen) Thomsen of Stromsburg; sister, Faye Greve of Wakefield; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Dennis) Ronspies of Pierce, and Tootie Bartels of Wakefield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Mick Thomsen; in-laws, John and Evelyn Greve; husband, Bill; two infant daughters; great-granddaughter, Maria Leonard; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
