(Please use this updated version. The family changed the service details.) (Thanks for your understanding.) Elaine M. LaLuzerne passed away peacefully and awoke to new life in Christ on October 14, 2025. Elaine was born November 22, 1937, in Rudyard, MI to Elmer and Florence (English) Toppe. The family moved to Door County when Elaine was 5 years old. She has lived in Sturgeon Bay since elementary school. After graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1955, she attended DK Teachers College in Algoma, WI. There she met Darrel LaLuzerne. They were married on August 7, 1958. They both taught in Door County public schools until the birth of their first child, Cindy, in 1964. They bought their home in Sturgeon Bay that same year. Son Joe followed in 1966, and Elaine had the joy of being a stay-at-home mom until Cindy and Joe were in Junior High. She loved raising her children, being the welcoming Mom to all the neighbor kids. She loved keeping a cozy home and welcoming all family and friends for hundreds of delicious home-cooked meals, fellowship, and always laughter. She returned to teaching at Wigwam Nursery School and retired from that role after her children graduated from college. She was a beloved teacher and has kept in contact with several of her former students, even in recent years. Elaine has been a member of First Baptist Church in Sturgeon Bay since she was 18 years old. She served FBC in many capacities until her recent health decline. She taught Sunday School, led Women's Groups, worked with the Awana and later "Kids Clubs" programs. Darrel and Elaine's backyard was often the place where young people gathered for a game of driveway basketball, kick the can, cookouts, and a lot of good-natured shenanigans, which she took in stride. They were happy to continue this tradition of welcoming their kids' college friends, and later grandchildren and their friends who wanted to come "home" to beautiful Door County and enjoy homemade food, desserts, and tours of the county guided by Darrel and Elaine. She was the best care package sender and loved writing cards and letters to friends and family. In addition to her many areas of service in Church, she was a member of the Door County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary until her health declined. Elaine loved people. She was often the first to reach out to meet new people at church and formed lifelong friendships with so many. She was the first to meet new neighbors with a plate of homemade cookies or bars and an invite to dinner. Elaine loved her family. She awoke every morning and sat in her chair, Bible in hand, and prayed over her family, extended family members, and friends. Elaine was an encourager. She listened. She offered heartfelt compassion and treated everyone with dignity and grace. Her love was unconditional. Elaine loved Darrel, her husband of 67 years. They were the best of friends and enjoyed their life together immensely. They found joy in the simple things. Traveling to MN to visit their children and grandchildren was top priority. They loved taking the ferry to Michigan to visit her sister. They enjoyed the beautiful parks of Door County, hiking, having picnics by the water, and watching the sunset at the stone quarry. Elaine loved the Lord. She accepted Christ as her Savior in high school and has been a beautiful testimony of the Christian walk her entire life. Besides Darrel, Elaine is survived by her daughter, Cindy Watson (Christopher), son, Joe LaLuzerne (Anna Maria), grandchildren Grace Grittner (Luke), Elizabeth Namkung (Daniel), Isaac LaLuzerne, and Olivia LaLuzerne; three great grandchildren, Otto and Archie Grittner and Tobi Namkung. She is also survived by her sister Catherine Cain (Grand Rapids, MI), sisters-in-law Elaine LaLuzerne (Green Bay), Linda Meeuwsen (Al Sprague) of Green Bay, brother-in-law Dale Seaquist (Kristen) of Sister Bay, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, sister Gloria Seaquist, brother-in-law David Cain, brother Paul Toppe and his wife Jeanine Eggert, and brother John Toppe. Further preceded by Darrel's siblings Tom LaLuzerne, Gary LaLuzerne and his wife Susan, Elaine DeKeyser and her husband Larry. Elaine was also preceded in death by infant son, Ricky, whom she could not wait to meet and hold in Heaven. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2024 from 4:00-7:00pm at Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 am at Forbes Funeral Home, with the Reverend Tim Haugen officiating. A light reception will follow. The family wishes to thank the team at Compassus Hospice, especially Krystle, Danielle, and Tiffany, who ensured that Elaine’s final days were painless and peaceful. The family also wishes to thank the caregivers at Cardinal Ridge who loved mom and treated her with kindness and dignity.