Elaine Parrack

M. Elaine Parrack, 70, of Mahaska went to her heavenly home on April 6, 2013. She was born September 12, 1942 in Beloit, Kansas to Mark and Christina (Konzem) Hake.

Most of her childhood was spent on a farm near Tipton, Kansas where she and her 8 siblings were taught a very strong work ethic and where they spent much time playing together on the farm. She went to St. Boniface Catholic church and school in Tipton. In 1957 the family moved to Osborne, Kansas and she is a 1961 graduate of Osborne High School.

After graduating high school, Elaine briefly lived in Wichita before deciding to move to Houston, Texas. While in Houston she worked for the American Society of Medical Technologists as a convention planner. During that time she enjoyed the city life and trips to the gulf with friends. Eventually, her strong family ties led Elaine back to Kansas and she moved to Osborne in 1964. She worked as a legal assistant for the county attorney and for Martin and Cordell Attorneys. She also helped her mother in her floral shop and greenhouse.

Around 1966, Elaine met Marvin Parrack who was teaching vocational ag at Osborne. The two married on June 1, 1968 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Osborne. To this union two daughters were born, Karrie and Sara.

In 1972 Marvin and Elaine moved to their farm near Mahaska where they farmed and ranched together until retirement in 2008.

Elaine thoroughly enjoyed the farm life and motherhood. She would work hard with the livestock and on the farm and still had plenty of energy to cook, bake, garden, can, sew and spend time with her girls. She was an exceptional hostess and the many guests who visited Marvin and Elaine enjoyed a comfortable home, great food and fun conversation.

After her girls left home, Elaine cooked for the Mahaska meal site and North Central school. She also worked at Lambriar Kennel in Mahaska and was Mahaska city clerk for several years. Her favorite role was that of "Grammy" to her 5 grandchildren. She loved caring for them and going to their activities. Elaine loved to read and that love was passed on to her children and grandchildren, with whom she spent countless hours reading.


Elaine was CCD teacher both in Osborne and Washington counties for over 25 years. During those years she was also a dedicated 4-H leader serving as both project and club leader. Elaine was active in the Hopewell Extension Club, the Mahaska community and church and SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

She is survived by husband, Marvin. Two daughters, Karrie Peterson and her husband, Greg. Sara and her husband, Judd. Grandchildren; Ashley Peterson, Eric Peterson, Delainey Stewart, Riley Stewart and Morgan Stewart. Brothers & sisters-in-law; Jerome and Fay Hake, Alan and Vera Hake, Leon and Gail Hake and Meldon Hake. Sisters and brothers in law; Ruth Jennings, Marilyn and Larry Balaun, Karen and Harry Walters. Sister-in-law, Jean Parrack and sister-in-law and husband, Karen and Butch Bohlken. Numerous nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; sister, Charlene Marek; mother-in-law, Velva Parrack; father-in-law, Louis Parrack; brothers-in-law, Dean Parrack, Bob Jennings and Richard Marek. Sister-in-law, Mary Kay Hake and two nephews.


The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the many dear family and friends and especially to MariJo Morehead, the staff at Cedarwood and Asera Care for all of your wonderful care during this journey. There are no adequate words to describe what a blessing you've been!

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Fairbury. Burial of cremains will be at the Mahaska Cemetery at Mahaska, Ks. Following the burial, there will be a Celebration Of Life - Luncheon held at the Mahaska Community Building. All are invited to attend.

The family will greet friends on Thursday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home.