Elaine Beard

Elaine F. Beard, 83, 1102 8th Ave. Court S., Clear Lake, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.  

A funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating.   Memorials may be given to the V.F.W. Auxiliary in memory of Elaine Beard.

     Elaine was born July 1, 1929 on the family farm, rural Ventura, Hancock County, Iowa, the youngest of six children of Emil and Frances (Samuelson) Hagen.  She graduated from Ventura High School in 1946.  Following high school, she worked at the A&P Grocery Store and Linn’s Dept. Store in Forest City, Iowa.  Elaine married Robert Hughes in 1953. They owned and operated the Lake Furniture Store in Clear Lake.  

    She worked for Carl Haas Insurance Agency in Clear Lake and  later  worked for the Cerro Gordo County Department of Human Services as a caseworker until she retired.

     Elaine married Clarke Beard Feb. 12, 1984 in Las Vegas, Nev.  Elaine’s home on South Shore Drive was always open and welcoming to family and friends to enjoy.  Friends and family were very important to her. Elaine enjoyed listening to the music of Daniel O’Donnell and attending his concerts with her friends.  She was a fun loving, generous person, great caregiver, who loved dancing at the Surf,  playing cards at the V.F.W., shooting pool at Elly’s, singing and playing the piano and spending time at the lake on the pontoon boat.  She had a quick wit and was always ready with a joke. To look at Elaine, was to always see her smile.

    Elaine was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City, Clear Lake V.F.W. Auxiliary and lifetime member of Elly’s pool group.  

     Elaine is survived by her three step children, Julie (Ken) Konicek, Pinedale, Wyo., Clarke (Becca) Beard, Marion, Iowa, and Christopher (Michiko) Beard, Clear Lake; nine step grandchildren and one step great-grandchild; sister, Darlene (Herb) Alexander, Mason City, Iowa; and brother, Eldon (Rozella) Hagen, Forest City, Iowa; and 19 nieces and nephews.  

     Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Frieda Hagen; brothers, Charles and Donald Hagen; and husband, Clarke Beard (2007).  

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.