Elaine Marlys Muller was born on Jan. 17, 1941, to William and Esther (Busch) Bahn in Luverne, Minn. She was baptized and later confirmed, both in Trosky, Minn. Elaine lived her entire life in the rural Jasper, Minn., area. She grew up on a farm near Hardwick, Minn., and then later settled on a farm near Jasper. Elaine attended Jasper High School in Jasper and graduated in 1959. On Aug. 23, 1959, Elaine was united in marriage to the love of her life, Ronnie Muller, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper. Elaine worked at the dime store in Jasper and then as a waitress at the Glass House in Ihlen, Minn. Later she would become the head cook at the Sunrise Village in Jasper. Her love language was providing nourishment for others, whether it was through food or spiritually as she always had a listening ear for someone who needed a friend. Her favorite job was working at Mary Jane Brown Home for over 15 years before she retired, becoming a well-loved and friendly face to many who stepped through the doors. She was a kind, hard worker who was loved by all. Elaine passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne at the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 2 days.
Elaine was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper. She was involved in the church in many different ways, such as helping with events, ladies aid, and donation management, just to name a few. Elaine cleaned the church for many years. She was a member of the Lion’s Club. She enjoyed having friends and family over for coffee, playing pinochle, and going rummaging and shopping with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for cooking for anyone who stopped by. She always made sure guests were well fed. She spent many years baking cakes for everyone and anyone who asked, whether for a graduation, baptism, confirmation, or any other event. Her and Eunice Bartels’ specialty together was creating beautiful wedding cakes; they made dozens for newlyweds throughout the years. Above all else, Elaine fiercely loved her grandchildren and showed up to support them in every way possible. Her legacy of love will live on through her children and grandchildren.
Elaine is survived by her three children, Randy Muller of Jasper, Rick (Susan Blazek) Muller of Prior Lake, Minn., and Shari (Orville) Manzer of Great Falls, MT; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Blomgren, Jessamy Blomgren, Greg Muller, Danny (Sydney) Muller, Mitchell Muller, Amanda (Casey) Chounard, Allison Muller, and Abby Muller; one great-grandchild, Jackson Chounard; and siblings, Marlene Bauman of Pine River, Minn., and Joanne Current of Sleepy Eye, Minn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Muller; parents, Bill and Esther Bahn; sister, Lorraine Bahn; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Muller; and brother-in-law, Alvin Bauman.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minn.
Interment will follow at the Jasper City Cemetery in Jasper.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hartquist Funeral Home - Luverne Chapel.
Please vi s i t www. hartquistfuneral.com to view Elaine’s life history and to sign an online registry.
