Elna Mae VanHouten

Elna Mae VanHouten, age 88, of DeTour Village, Michigan, died on June 21, 2020. She was born October 3, 1931 in Mt. Morris, Michigan, to parents Thore and Vera (Banks) Brimmer.

Elna grew up in Clio, Michigan, where she attended school and met and married her first husband. She had two children, Kris and Valerie. In 1973, she moved to DeTour Village, with the love of her life Ernest VanHouten. She lived the rest of her life by the water; quilting and enjoying life with their shih tzus.

Elna was a member of the Stalwart Community Church, Detour Homemakers, and the Red Hat Society.

She loved painting, quilting, sewing, homemaking, and nostalgia.

Elna is survived by her son, Kristopher (Milisa) Bechtel of Birch Run, Michigan; daughter, Valerie (Terry Hanshaw) Michalski of Copemish, Michigan; grandchildren, Clifford Bechtel, Kris (Tiffany) Bechtel II, Renee (Jeff) Horton, Skylar (Shanna) Olmstead, Austin (Angela) Olmstead, Valanie Michalski, Jennifer (Bryan) Murphy, Scott (Patricia) Michalski, Emily (Kevin) Sharp, Nikki Romeri, Michelle Dikos; thirty-three great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Elna was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Van Houten; daughter, Vicki Bechtel; granddaughter; Valeena Michalski; son-in-law; David Michalski; grandson-in-law, Maxwell Romeri; stepchildren, Judy Dikos and Jack Van Houten; sisters; Faith McGeathey (Bob) and Thora (Johnny) West; and brother; Glenn (Donna) Brimmer.

Elna was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery on June 23, 2020.