Obituary: Elaine Stedman

Elaine Stedman

Elaine C. Stedman went to meet her Lord on August 17, 2024, at Golden Acres Manor in Carrington, N.D.

Elaine's visitation was Thursday, August 22 from 1:00-6:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 6:00 p.m., all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.

A funeral service was held Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church, Carrington, N.D., with Pastor Corey Pepple officiating. Joyce Evenson was pianist and Dawn Snively was organist. Her burial was at the Grace City Cemetery, Grace City, N.D.

Pallbearers were Alex Stedman, Josh Hegvik, Lucas Stangeland, Collin Douglas, Alex Zirbes and Brady Davis.

Honorary pallbearers were Jeff Topp and Nathan Edwards.

She was born in rural Edmunds, N.D., on April 30, 1939, to John and Ella (Schaeffer) Scheck. Known as "sister" to her parents and brothers, Elaine began her farming career at an early age as she became her father's right hand in the milking parlor and alongside him in the field – planting, haying and harvesting.

Elaine's education began in Glacier Township #1, a one-room schoolhouse, where this rough-and-tumble tomboy ruled the schoolyard. In the classroom, her teacher frequently asked, "Elaine, would you like to go home?" She majored in schoolyard antics and shenanigans while her ever-patient teacher tried to focus her attention on becoming a proper lady in preparation for the transition to high school in Carrington, N.D. And yes, she did have to wear dresses.

All of Elaine's prior experience and love of farming made her an ideal partner when she was joined in marriage to Arlo Stedman on September 22, 1957, shortly after her high school graduation.

Elaine easily adapted to her new life on the Stedman farm, where she worked alongside Arlo – with bragging rights of bringing in the harvest for 45 years. Eventually, Elaine graduated to the position of chief engineer for the family's first air-conditioned combine – with her nameplate on full display.

Under the tutelage of her mother-in-law, Elaine also began her studies in the domestic arts of homemaking. These new skills became Elaine's minor passion, as she showed her love for family and friends in everyday life at home as well as in church. The couple was affiliated with the Methodist Church of Juanita, ND, where Elaine was a Sunday School teacher. In 1972, as founding congregants of Faith Baptist Church in Carrington, ND, the pair cultivated the new church while raising their two children in the Christian faith.

Elaine's greatest fulfillment in life was found as a grandmother. She was truly a loving and devoted grandmother who nurtured deep relationships with her six grandchildren. The pride and joy she felt for them also extended to the next generation of great-grandchildren.

Elaine was known to have a quick wit and was often cited as the "queen of the 3-second zingers." Throughout her adult life, she enjoyed traveling with her small family, and later with just her husband. Becoming RV snowbirds, they reconnected with retired family and friends. A travel highlight was their adventure in Brazil for their Godson's wedding.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Arlo Stedman of Glenfield, N.D.; son, Randy (Lanell) Stedman of Glenfield, N.D.; daughter, Peggy Stedman of Carrington, N.D.; grandchildren, Erin (Alex) Zirbes of Carrington, Amy (Lucas) Stangeland of Glenfield, Ashley (Josh) Hegvik of Carrington, Alex Stedman (Makall Grager) of Glenfield, Emily (Collin) Douglas of Carrington and Abbie (Brady Davis) of Fargo, N.D.; great-grandchildren, Ella, Aiden and Arlo Zirbes, Brooks, Jeslin, Annabel and Tanner Stangeland, Cooper, Bennett and Alaiya Hegvik, Rowan Stedman, and Barrett Douglas and one brother, Norbert Scheck of Edmunds, N.D.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother in-law, Clarence and Anna Stedman and siblings, Cyril, Stanley, Lyle Sheck and Myrna Humbert.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.