Elaine Dague

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Elaine Marie Dague, on February 19, 2026. But it is also with grateful hearts that we have the assurance that she is at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elaine Marie Dague (Kleeberger) was born May 20, 1934, in Randolph MN to Roy and Opal Kleeberger (Switzer). She attended Randolph school, graduating with the class of 1952. While in school she played trumpet in the pep band and was involved in 4H. She showed her prize-winning Holstein heifer, Bessie Miller Supreme Hazel the 2nd at the state fair. She attended St. Paul Bible College, worked at Carleton College, Jostens and Property Owners Insurance. It was there she met Elsie Dague. Elsie brought her home to Oylen to meet her family, including her brother, Russell. Elaine married Russell on May 24,1957 and moved to the Oylen area where they were dairy farmers and then beef farmers. They were married 65 years before Dad's passing on June 1, 2022. Mom was a homemaker, farmers wife, and mother to 4 daughters. She was a member of the Oylen Christian and Missionary Alliance church where she held many positions. She was the pianist, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, secretary, treasurer and led women's Bible study in her home. She was involved in young married couples, sewing circle and birthday club.

Mom cooked thousands of meals. She was head cook at Oylen Bible Camp for many years, Poplar Head Start and Early head start in Backus. She hosted Sunday dinners for family for over 40 years. The coffee was always on and cookies available for any and all visitors. She raised a large garden, loved to pick wild blueberries, fed calves, raked hay, picked corn. Her and Dad went wild ricing in the fall. She had some odd jobs off the farm as well. She worked for Elmer and Irene Pederson at their mink ranch, helped Irene cater events, and cleaned cabins at Sandy Beach Resort. She liked to crochet, embroider, quiliting, do word puzzles, jig saw puzzles and play games with the grandchildren, of which she always let them win. Mom loved the Lord and spent her life serving Him. She was devoted to her husband and family. She loved music, especially gospel, and would "conduct" anyone playing, whether it was a piano or a CD. Mom loved coffee and ice cream and anything chocolate. Upon parting, she would tell us to drive careful and take your time going but hurry back.

Left to mourn her passing are her four daughters. Anita Moench (Lee) of Bluegrass, Candace Ozmun (Jim) of Farmington, Rhonda Marthaler (Tony) of Oylen, and Ruth Johnson of Oylen. Ten grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren. Brother Richard Kleeberger (Linda) of Northfield, sister Marlene Almen of Northfield and sister-in-law Nancy Kleeberger of Westbrook.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell, sisters Florence Zimmerman and Jeanette Zellmer. Brothers William and Robert Kleeberger. Son-in-law, Mike Adams and many family members and friends. Mom moved to Providence Villa in December 2022 after dementia made it unsafe to stay home alone.

Our family would like to thank all the staff that have cared for her these past three years. She always said everyone was so good to her and she couldn't be in a better place. We are so grateful for all of you. We would also like to thank Vivie Hospice for the care they provided in her last weeks.

Honorary pallbearers are her six granddaughters, Carissa Becker, Vanessa Perius, Melissa Elfstrum, Breanna Raaen, Sharona Foltz and Avery Johnson. Officiating will be Pastor Neal Malcore. Pianist will be her grandson, Nicholas Johnson and great-granddaughter Eva Ozmun. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Poplar Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elaine Dague, please visit our floral store.