Elaine Jane Birr, of Sampson, passed away peacefully Jan. 13, 2026, in the comforting care of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, Oconto Falls. The daughter of John and Laura (Nicholas) Boettcher was born Jan. 12, 1932.
Elaine remained a resident of Sampson for 82 years before moving to Pulaski. She is a graduate of Oconto Falls High School. Elaine served as a cook for Oconto Falls School District for 38 years and as a cook at the Highway Restaurant, Abrams, for 15 years.
She enjoyed visiting friends and family, playing bingo and cards, completing puzzles and attending church. Elaine was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Morgan, and the Pulaski Adult Activity Center.
Elaine leaves behind five nephews, John (Regina) Boettcher, Oconto Falls, Dennis (Judy) Stebane, Florence, Ed Stebane, Menasha, Keven (Kim) Stebane, Brillion, and Mike (Mary) Witt, Oconomowoc; two nieces, Linda (Gerald) Mroczkowski, Englewood, Florida, and Sandra Grych, Cecil; two surrogate grandsons, Timothy Boettcher, Brillion, and Matthew (Callie DeClue) Boettcher, Austin, Texas; numerous great-nephews and great-nieces and great-great nephews and great-great-nieces.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Birr; parents, John and Laura; sisters, Anita (Walter) Birr, LeMeryl (Ervin) Kozlowski and Veroness (Louis) Grych; niece, Anita (Ervin) Witt; and nephew, Steve Witt.
Friends are invited to gather with family at St. John Lutheran Church, 3374 County Road C, Oconto Falls, on Friday, Jan. 23, from 9-11 a.m. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. with Pastor Katy Tomlanovich officiating. Burial will follow in the Morgan Cemetery, Oconto Falls.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church, in memory of Elaine Birr, are encouraged.
Online condolences may be offered to Elaine’s family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.
