Elaine Severa Washburn, 88, of Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter August 12th, 2010. She was comforted in her final days by her daughter and family following a short illness.

Elaine S. Washburn was born in Denmark, Wisconsin to Reverend Hubert and Severa Diekvoss, the second of three children. Elaine had a wide range of educational opportunities and experiences early in life which came with being the daughter of a minister. She and her brothers often attended new schools over the years as her father relocated through his ministries. Elaine graduated from Fond du Lac High School, Wisconsin and then followed her father and brothers to North Central College, Naperville, Illinois, graduating with a degree in Education. Elaine married Vincent M. Washburn of Oxford, Wisconsin and began her teaching career in Home Economics. Fox Lake High School was her first stop and then moved her teaching skills to Mayville High School, where she retired. Elaine was recognized by numerous teaching groups throughout Wisconsin for her skills as a Home Economics Instructor, especially in child development activities. She was an active member of the AAUW and the Beaver Dam Trinity Church United Methodist teaching Sunday School Classes and the lead sponsor for church Youth Groups. Elaine truly enjoyed her leisurely hours of designing and sewing. When she was not behind the sewing machine you could find her enjoying a round of golf and socializing at Old Hickory Golf Club, or just sitting and enjoying a crossword puzzle.

Following a brief retirement in her beloved country home, just outside Beaver Dam, she relocated to Miami, Florida in July of 1989. Her continued love of teaching and working with young people found her volunteering her time and skills for the Oliver Hoover Elementary School in Miami, and with the youth of the Central Presbyterian Church of Miami.

Elaine is survived by her son, Richard and his wife Rosemary of Muscatine, Iowa; daughter Jean Barciela and her husband Ramon of Miami, Florida; four grandchildren, Meghan Hutchinson (husband Jason), of Dallas, Texas; Alex (wife Tasha), of Dillon, Colorado; Marcos and Melissa of Miami; two great grandchildren, Matthew and Brody, and another great grandson due in October.

Elaine was preceded in death by husband Vincent M.; her parents Reverend Hubert C. and Severa Diekvoss; her brothers Hubert "Hubie" and Talmage "Tal" Diekvoss.

Visitation will be Friday, August 27, 2010, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jeffrey Nicholas officiating.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.