Funeral Service for M. Elaine (Johnson) Chilson, 93, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at Grace Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD with Pastor Patrick Jenkins officiating. Organist will be Steve Eneboe and soloist is Pat Schubert.  Pallbearers will be Ryan Chilson, Paul Chilson, Joe Chilson, Matt Mahoney, Tim Dooley, Gabe Bruguier, Jacob Bruguier, and David Fairbanks. Honorary Pallbearers will be Nicole Chilson, Emily Chilson, Adam Aas, Manndie Aas, Laura Chilson, Kate Mahoney, Petra Dooley, and Carrie Fairbanks. Interment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. There will be visitation from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. at the Cahill Funeral Chapel.  Elaine passed away on Friday, August 30, 2019 at the Browns Valley Health Center, Browns Valley, MN.  The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Margaret Elaine Johnson, who preferred to be called Elaine, was born March 15, 1926 in Webster, SD she was the only child of Petra (Frostad) and Henry Johnson to be born in a hospital. She was baptized and later confirmed at Saron Lutheran Church near Roslyn.

Elaine was born into a loving household of four older brothers and three older sisters. Being the youngest child gave Elaine some of those "youngest of the family" perks the older siblings would better describe as being a little spoiled. Growing up in a large farm family during the Great Depression years, Elaine's parents and older siblings instilled in her the conservative, hardworking, love of family values she carried her whole life.

Elaine attended grade school at Nutley Township #166 in Day County. Graduating as valedictorian of her class from Roslyn High School in 1944, she then attended Northern Teachers College. After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught for 1 year at Nutley Township #166 and 2 years at Goodwill #2 West country school.

While teaching at Goodwill #2 West, Elaine met Billy Chilson, whose family lived nearby. After a 15-month courtship, Elaine and Billy were married at Saron Lutheran Church June 25, 1947 on the 40 ^th anniversary of Elaine's parents. Their first 6 years of married life were spent on various rented farms. In 1953, they purchased a farm in Section 20 of Goodwill Township that would become their home for 40 years until Billy passed away in November 1993. Elaine remained on the farm for another 13 years then moved to a duplex on E Walnut Street in Sisseton. She lived there for 10 years until declining health forced her to move to Edgewood Assisted Living, Sisseton.

Anyone familiar with life on a farm knows a farm wife/mother is not only responsible for the care of family and the household, but is also the support team for the husband and hired help. Elaine not only cooked one to four meals or lunches a day, but became the person to shuttle machinery from one field to another, deliver fuel, run to town for parts, and even put cattle back in a pasture on a rare occasion.

Elaine and Billy belonged to Goodwill Lutheran Church in Sisseton when first married. The church merged and became Grace Lutheran where they were members for their remaining years. While at Grace Lutheran Elaine was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the church council, and active in many Bible study groups over the years.

Elaine was a thorough historian and passionate about her family's lineage. She diligently researched the genealogy of the Frostad/Johnson and Chilson family history for over 50 years. Her research was able to track ancestry back as early as 1100 A.D.

Elaine was a very accomplished, yet modest, pianist and was wary of playing in front of anyone. However, she shared her love and passion of the piano by giving lessons for over 35 years. She was deservedly very proud of her over 100 piano students, many of whom chose music as their life's profession.

Over the years Elaine enjoyed the companionship of many good pets. She also enjoyed antiquing with friends, traveling, collecting postmarks, and wall vases. She enjoyed gardening and had beautiful flower gardens. Elaine was an active member of the Friendly Neighbors Extension Club for approximately 50 years, and was also a 4-H leader for several years.

To quote her senior high school yearbook "She has a way all her own" which certainly fit her.

Elaine is survived by her children Leora (David) Pooler of Sterling, Alaska, Phyllis Bruguier of Sisseton, SD, Dale (Theresa) Chilson of Sisseton, SD, and Douglas  (Corinne) Chilson of Huron, SD;  eleven grandchildren Nicole Chilson, Ryan (Emily) Chilson, Manndie Aas, Adam Aas, Petra (Tim) Dooley, Gabe Bruguier, Jacob Bruguier, Carrie (David) Fairbanks, Paul Chilson, Joe (Laura) Chilson, and Kate (Matt) Mahoney; nine great grandchildren; many loving nieces and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; husband Billy; three sisters and spouses, Stella (Louie) Dahl, Pearl (Charles) Thayer, and Minnie (Arthur) Grorud; four brothers and spouses, Holger (Viola) Johnson, John (Doris) Johnson, Lawrence (Evelyn) Johnson, Herbert (Vernice) Johnson and two infant brothers, William and Luther Johnson and one great granddaughter Kylie Aas.