Elaine Springer, 77, Owatonna

Elaine Marie Springer passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Owatonna, at the age of 77.

Friends may greet the family 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna, with the funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. officiated by Pastor Carl Murry.

Elaine was the daughter of Martin and Fern Meland.

She married James R. Springer on February 18, 1978, and together they shared 48 years of marriage.

Elaine worked as an administrative assistant for more than 30 years, taking pride in her work and the relationships she built throughout her career.

Elaine was a woman who found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She had a special love for flowers, birds, cats, collecting, history, and polka music. She appreciated the beauty around her and had a wonderful ability to find meaning in the things she loved.

Elaine took great pride in her flower gardening, putting time, care, and love into growing beautiful flowers that brought her great joy. She especially enjoyed taking her flowers to the Steele County Free Fair, where she took pride in sharing the results of her hard work and seeing her flowers recognized and appreciated. Her love of flowers was a reflection of the care and attention she brought to the things that mattered to her. The color purple also held a special place in her heart.

Elaine had a soft spot for birds and cats, enjoying the beauty and companionship they brought into her life. She also had a deep appreciation for history and collecting, preserving things from the past and enjoying the stories and memories connected to them. She was a keeper of family history and memories, helping preserve the stories and details that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Music was another source of happiness for Elaine, particularly polka music, which brought her joy and became another special part of who she was.

Elaine was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 3723, where she enjoyed the fellowship and friendships she made through her involvement.

Elaine leaves behind a family who will carry her memory with them. She is survived by her husband, James R.; daughter, Kristi (Mike) Stierns; stepchildren, Debbie (Nate) Pfeifer, James E. (Lori) Springer, Renee (John) DePoppe, and Jon (Andrea Mowery) Springer; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce (Richard) Simcox; nieces, Jamie (Mark) Avery and April (Kevin) Roemhildt; and seven great-nieces and nephews, three great-great grandnieces and numerous extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and great-grandson, Deitrick Thorud.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.