Corinne Ehlke

Ehlke, Corinne Eikeland

Age 98, passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2022, surrounded by family. She was born on April 4, 1923, the oldest of six children, to Blanche and Rev. Amon Johnson in Wolf Point, MT.

Corinne spent her childhood in Wolf Point and Bozeman, MT, then moved to Bemidji, MN, where she graduated from high school in 1941. In 1945 after graduating from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, she taught high school English in Warren, MN until she married Rev. Fridtjof Eikeland on January 24, 1948. Their two daughters, Rebecca Ann and Catherine Marie, were born in Warren. Fritz was called to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI, in 1952, where he served until his death in 1961. During that time, their son, Mark Robert, was born. Following Fritz’s death, Corinne earned her master’s degree in counseling from NDSU and worked as a high school counselor in Wausau until her retirement in 1982. Corinne was married to Art Ehlke, a longtime friend of the family, February 24, 1978, until his death in 2000. She remained an active member of Immanuel Lutheran, serving in many capacities, including church council, Sunday School, women’s groups and singing in the choir. Corinne also enjoyed using her gifts to serve others in the Wausau community. She moved to Alexandria, MN, in 2006 to be closer to her three sisters. Corinne became a dedicated member of First Lutheran Church and continued her volunteerism in the Alexandria community. In 2019, she moved to Presbyterian Homes in the Lake Johanna area of the Twin Cities, to be near her daughter, Cathy. Corinne enjoyed participating in several sports, especially curling and golf. Her thirst for learning inspired her to travel the world. Above all, Corinne loved spending time with her family, sharing stories, playing games, drinking coffee and filling her home with laughter. Throughout her life, in every circumstance, Corinne shared her strong faith, optimism, encouragement and joy of life with everyone she met.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husbands, brothers Amon Johnson Jr. (Mim) and Paul Johnson (Izzy), brother-in-law John Wambheim, son-in-law David Wold and daughter-in-law Peggy Swendsen. She is survived by sisters Carol Johnson Wambheim, Alli Johnson Halvorson (Rol), Judy Johnson Porter (Ron), daughters Rebecca Eikeland Wright (Peter), Catherine Eikeland Wold, Mark Eikeland, Sue Ehlke Boyle (Al), John Ehlke (Deb), grandchildren Rebecca Wold Freeman (Sedge), Rachel Wold McArthur (Jimmy), Nick Wold, Kirsten Wright (Jason Messer), Erin Boyle Smith (Jason), Derek Boyle, Bryan Ehlke (Whitney), 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, April 4, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN, with a visitation held for one hour prior to the service at the church. A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM at Restlawn Cemetery in Wausau, WI, with a lunch held prior to the burial starting at 11:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wausau.  Memorials to donor’s choice.