Elaine Ann Noffze

Elaine Ann Noffze, born on November 14th, 1944, in Alpena, Michigan peacefully left this world in the early hours of May 3rd, 2026, in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Her family was grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye and visit her in her final days.

She grew up surrounded by the love of her parents, Reverend Richard Theodore Noffze and Hildegard Emma Olga Gohlke Noffze, and shared a special bond with her sister, Helen Noffze Joerger.

Elaine’s early years were spent in Alpena and Herron, Michigan, before moving to Boyne City at the age of nine. She graduated from Boyne City High School in 1962 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University in 1966.

Passionate about education, Elaine dedicated herself to teaching young children, inspiring second graders in Grandville, Petoskey, and Charlotte, before she continued to advance her career in education by completing a Master of Arts degree at Michigan State University in 1971.

Her career spanned over three decades in Montague, Waverly, and Lansing public school districts, where she touched countless lives with her kindness and dedication. Elaine treasured the friendships she made along the way, especially the close bond she shared with her many friends from her teaching days, church family and local volunteering, all connections she held dear.

Elaine was also an adventurous spirit, blessed with opportunities to explore the world, from riding a camel in Egypt to rounding the treacherous Cape Horn at the tip of South America. She also traveled extensively closer to home, taking many road-trips throughout the mid-west with her favorite travel companion, her mother Hildegard.

Her passion for seasonal decor was unmatched as her house on Springbrook Lane left no holiday uncelebrated, always flying a themed windsock out front to welcome visitors.

Her life was further enriched by the presence of her nephew Alexander Joerger and niece Kaitlin Joerger, whom she lovingly watched grow into remarkable adults. Later on, she took great joy in visits with her grand-nieces Hannah & Evelyn, “her little girls.”

Her Christian faith, nurtured in a loving home, was a cornerstone through all of life’s journeys, including her brave battles with several forms of cancer. Elaine never faced any challenge alone, supported always by the steadfast love of her friends and family.

Elaine leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and devotion. She is survived by her nephew Alexander Joerger, his wife Martha, her grand-nieces Hannah and Evelyn, and her niece Kaitlin.

With a heart full of gratitude and love, Elaine bids farewell, now at peace in her heavenly home.

A viewing will be held at 10am followed by a funeral service at 11am on Monday, May 11th at Our Savior Lutheran Church, located at 7910 W St Joseph Hwy, Lansing.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the following organizations that were close to Elaine’s heart:

www.cancer.org - American Cancer Society

www.whartoncenter.org - Michigan State University Wharton Center for Performing Arts