Elaine A. Vetesnik, age 76, of Richland Center died Monday, June 11, 2012 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on May 12, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Plasil) Galeta. She married George Vetesnik on October 20, 1956 in Illinois. Elaine worked as a dental assistant for several years before staying home to raise her family, which was very important to her. In 1974 Elaine and her family moved to Richland Center to pursue their dream of owning their own dealership.  Elaine worked in the dealership for 37 years, becoming president of the company after George’s death.  The business continues to be owned and managed by her two sons, George and Gregg. Along with the business, Elaine’s life revolved around her children and grandchildren.  Her spare time was often spent with them, beginning with boating on the Fox River in Cary, Illinois, spending weekends together at Lake Redstone, Wisconsin, to boating on Lake Michigan where she and George spent 12 years visiting many harbors on the Great Lakes.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband, family and friends, visiting many destinations around the world.  She loved the outdoors and enjoyed walking, snowmobiling and gardening.  Elaine was also an active board member of the UW Richland Campus Foundation.

Survivors include her children, George  Jr. (Cyndie) Vetesnik, Debra (Tim) Jackson, Gregg (Sue) Vetesnik, all of Richland Center;   grandchildren, Kelli (Dan) Kroetz, Kyle Vetesnik, Justine (Justin) Buroker, Leanne Toney, Jorie Jackson, Joscelyn Jackson, Holden Jackson, Garret Vetesnik, Danielle Vetesnik; great- grandchild, Peyton Buroker;  mother, Anna Galeta of Escanaba, Michigan;  brother, Dr. Richard (Nancy) Galeta of West Palm Beach, Florida; sister, Cynthia (Bryan) Bender of Escanaba, Michigan and many nieces, nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Galeta, her husband, George  Vetesnik and an infant son, Daniel Vetesnik.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 18, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Jamie Johnson and Reverend Ken Halstead will officiate with burial following in the Richland Center Cemetery. Visitation
will be held on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church from 3:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. and again on Monday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. The Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center  is assisting the family with the arrangements.