Elaine Marie Jacob was born on July 28, 1931, at her grandparents' farm in Straight River Township to Harry & Josephine Jacob. She attended country school and graduated from Menahga High School in 1949.

Elaine moved to St. Paul that summer and got a job at 3M. She was active in her local church, teaching Sunday School and making lifelong friends. In 1964, Elaine and two friends moved to California. She got a position with Kaiser Engineers in Oakland and later bought her home in San Leandro, which she decorated with her creations. She especially loved her patio, where she grew flowers and soaked up the sun. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in San Leandro.

Elaine enjoyed retirement - going to movies, the symphony, getting together to work on craft projects, entertaining in her home and going out to lunch with friends. She stayed in touch with friends she had made at 3M and Kaiser. Elaine loved to travel. She was excited to visit relatives in France and see where her Grandpa Jacob had lived before moving to Minnesota. She also took trips to other parts of Europe, Alaska, and South America. Elaine was a talented and creative seamstress and quilter. Many family members and friends have quilts and holiday décor that she created. Elaine's varied interests and energy kept her active well into her advanced age. She enjoyed going for walks and subscribed to her local newspaper. She was a faithful worker of crossword and “word-find” puzzles.

Elaine was generous and loyal to her family and friends. Though she did not have children of her own, she loved being around kids and young people. In April of 2024, Elaine moved back to Minnesota - to be closer to her sisters and extended family. Neighbors in San Leandro reached out with good wishes when she left California.

Elaine passed away on December 27, 2025, at Arbor Oaks Senior Living in Andover, Minnesota. She was pre-deceased by her parents and by nephew Daniel Peterson. Elaine is survived by sisters Patricia Jacob, Karen (Gary) Peterson, Diane (Dan) Schaible, nieces Pam (Bill) Hammer, Michele (Terry) Liska, Jennifer DeZoysa, Joanna (Justin) Cochran, Christina (Nick) Longworth, nephew Jonathan Schaible, cousins, grand nieces, grand nephews, great-grand nephews, and a great-grand niece.

Services for Elaine will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 starting with a visitation from 10 - 11 AM followed by the Funeral at 11 AM at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay Street NW, Andover, MN 55304. 

Memorials will be donated to a charity close to Elaine’s heart.