Elaine M. Orth, 89, died peacefully on Monday, August 30, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Green Bay on July 16, 1932, to the late George and Johanna (Verhasselt) Fritsch, and graduated from Appleton Senior High School.

On her 21 ^st birthday, Elaine married Francis Orth at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood. They created a beautiful life together, raising eleven children on the family farm in Cleveland. A talented artist and designer, Elaine planned numerous renovations and projects on the farm, and in her spare time, enjoyed painting and ceramics. She took great pleasure in cooking and baking, making every holiday and birthday special. She was also fond of bowling, dancing, and playing cards—especially a good game of Sheepshead.

Elaine was a member of St. Wendel Catholic Church in Cleveland, and later St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community in Newton. A woman of deep faith, she believed in the power of prayer. She also believed that everyone deserved to be treated with kindness and respect. She was selfless, dedicated to family, and continually open to new ideas. She could also work circles around anyone—even at age 87. She will be greatly missed.

Elaine is survived by nine of her eleven children: Kathleen Wills of Arvada, CO; John Orth of Manitowoc; Ralph (Patti) Orth of Cleveland; Larry (Dianne) Orth of Rochester, MN; Joanne (Dan) Bradford of Sullivan, IN; Barbara (Bruce) Schlei of Cleveland; Karen (Jeff) Birkeland of St. Paul, MN; David (Kelly) Orth of Cleveland; and Jessica Verhasselt of St. Paul, MN. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Maxine Orth (wife of deceased son Dennis); and son-in-law Wayne Vogel (husband of deceased daughter Mary). In addition, she leaves behind 30 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, one niece, and two nephews.

She is preceded in death by Francis, her husband of 64 years; two children Dennis Orth and Mary Vogel; her sister and husband, Helen and Earl Stechmesser; sister-in-law and her husband, Deloris and Kermit Lutzenberger; brother-in-law and his wife, Norbert and Betty (Heller) Orth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 4 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community (8100 Brunner Rd., Newton), with Fr. David Beaudry officiating. Burial will follow at St. Wendel Catholic Cemetery in the Village of Cleveland. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

The family wishes to thank St. Nicholas Hospice for the compassion and care they have shown to Elaine and her family.