Dennis Funeral Homes

The Lord called Elaine Karen Woodrum Petry to rest on Friday, December 18, 2009 in Kingman, Arizona.  Born Elaine Degnes in Albert Lea, Minnesota on August 4, 1921, Elaine and her family moved to the Chicago area where she grew up and graduated from Leyden High School.  Her strong sense of patriotism led her to enlist in the U.S. Navy during WWII, serving as a Navy WAVE until 1946.  During this time she met John “Woody” Woodrum, also in the Navy and they were married in 1946.  This marriage brought them two sons, Curtis Woodrum and Craig Woodrum and a busy life in Illinois before retiring in Florida until Woody’s death in 1984.  Elaine married Russ Petry on May 16, 1993.

Preceding Elaine in death were her father, Olaus “Ole” Degnes; her mother, Clara Hagen; her husband, John Woodrum; and her dear son, Craig “Boots” Woodrum.

Surviving Elaine are her husband, Russell Petry of Kingman, AZ; her son, Curtis “Chip” Woodrum of Mankato; her sister, Alice Wetzel of Waterville; her grandchildren, Melanie and Rob Hiniker, Wade Woodrum, Rusty Woodrum and Jesse Woodrum; her great-grandchildren, Aaron, Danika, and Emily Hiniker, Hunter, Hanna, Hope, Tabatha, Madison and Bryn Woodrum; her special niece, Judy and Don Domonoske and family; her special nephew, Cliff and Ann Wetzel and family all of Minnesota; and her Arizona family, Russ, Sherrine and Devin Petry; Linda, Aaron and Amanda Daniels; Skip, Ginger, James and Jared Petry.

Elaine’s lively and generous spirit was reflected in her passionate patriotism and dedication to the military, her pride in her Norwegian ancestry, her loyal and enthusiastic connection to her many friends, and her strong faith in her Savior.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Cannonville Cemetery in Elysian Township, Le Sueur County, Minnesota.