Elaine M. Rabold

Elaine Marie Rabold, 79, of Grand Marais, passed away on Sunday, July 16th, 9 years to the day after her own mother, at North Shore Health in Grand Marias, MN surrounded by family.

She was born November 29, 1943 to Axel and Sylvia (Helmerson) Haavisto in Duluth, MN.  She went to school in Grand Marais until she and her family moved to New Smyrna Beach, FL for three years.  They then moved back to Grand Marais, where she graduated from Cook County High School in 1961.  She remained life long friends with several of her classmates and enjoyed their many get togethers.

On December 5th, 1964 Elaine married Frank Rabold.  They had two daughters, Kelly and Kim, and made Grand Marais their life long home.  Frank and Elaine were known to be quite the couple on the dance floor.  When they took the floor, others stepped back to watch.  Elaine was an exceptional waitress in her younger years at the Birch Terrace, Kove, and Common Ground. She later retired from the Cook County Court House, where she worked in the Court Administrators Office as the Deputy Clerk of Court.  In retirement, Elaine and Frank enjoyed several winters in Coolidge, AZ.

Elaine enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, reading, swimming at the YMCA, watching golf, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  Connor, Tommy, and Rylee were the light of her life, bringing her much joy.  She also spent a lot of time with her sister Karen, getting together daily for “happy hour”.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Curtis; and brother-in-law, Russell Brickman. 

Elaine is survived by her husband of 58 years, Frank; her daughters Kelly Swearingen (Shawn) of Grand Marais and Kim Kerntz (Tom) of Ely; grandchildren Connor, Tommy, and Rylee; sisters Karen Brickman and Kathy Steinbach (Scott) both of Grand Marais; nieces Jeni Bockovich (Ryan), Amber Roduner (Steve) both of Duluth and Marran Faget of Rochester; several great nieces and nephews, and many special friends. 

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral service on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.  Lunch and fellowship to follow.  To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.