Elaine was born in Arlington, Minnesota on January 3, 1930 to Ferdinard (Ed) and Emma Schild Wolter. The youngest of a large farm family growing up during the 30’s, Elaine was a strong believer in personal responsibility. Upon graduation from high school, Elaine enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Japan during the Korean War. She was very patriotic. Once discharged from the Army she married and settled in California where she began a long civil service career. She was proud of the fact she was successful as a female in a then male dominated field as a Certified Contract Administrator.
She met her husband Ronald Patchett in California and they were married in Redondo Beach in 1975. She continued her civil service career even while moving frequently with her Air Force husband. In 1976 they made a major move to Brussels, Belgium where the moving company dropped their household goods into the harbor waters. While initially upset, nothing seemed to truly faze her in the long run. While in Europe they enjoyed frequent traveling to Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Norway. One of the highlights of her stay was a trip to Russia with one of her coworkers while it was still a Communist Country. This trip reinforced her appreciation for the wonderful freedoms we enjoy in this Country. From Belgium they returned to Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA and California.
After her husband retired, they settled in New Bern, NC in 1989. Elaine loved New Bern and all it had to offer to include the many clubs and opportunities to volunteer. She was particularly fond of New Bern Golf & Country Club where she played 9 hole golf. When Elaine retired her golf clubs Bridge took over in importance but the highlight of her day was lunch with her friends.
She is predeceased by her parents and her siblings. She is survived by Ron, her husband of 44 years; her son, Jeffrey (Charlotta) Kallberg of Philadelphia, PA; stepdaughters Nancy (Bob) Long of Norfolk, VA., Marcia Fisher of Sterling, VA., Rebecca (Kevin) Weyant of Martinsburg, WVA; Grandsons Erik Kallberg, Patrick Fisher; Granddaughters Melissa (Ron) Strickland, Audrey (Fred) Hamilton, Angela (Mark) Basile, Allyson Weyant, Erica Fisher and 9 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of New Bern on July 2, 2019 at 10 am. Elaine’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift in her name may be made to First Presbyterian Church of New Bern, NC or Coastal Women’s Shelter in New Bern, NC.
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