57

June 22

Montrose

Elaine Marie Painter was born June 22, 1962, in Yankton, to Leonard and Erna (Pinkelman) Kuchta. She lost her battle with cancer and is now home with her almighty God and Father. 

Elaine attended elementary school in Menominee, Neb., and then graduated from high school in 1980 in Crofton, Neb. She then attended Lake Area Technical Institute for Medical Assisting and graduated from that in 1981. She then went right into the Registered Nurse program at Sioux Valley School of Nursing graduating with a diploma degree in 1984. Her first nursing position was in Lynch, Neb. She then returned to Sioux Falls in 1985 and began work on the cardiac floor. In 1992, she joined Dr. Kevin Vaska’s cardiology practice where she remained until Sept. 2019, when her illness led to her no longer being able to work. 

She married Brian Painter on April 9, 1994, and to that union was born twin daughters, Miranda and Marissa. Those girls became the center of her world. There was no stronger love than between her and her daughters. She loved doing anything that involved her girls. They loved to travel to Florida. She loved attending all her daughters events.

She is survived by her daughters, Miranda and Marissa Painter; brother, Mike Kuchta, Fordyce, Neb.; sister-in-law, Dianne Kuchta, Crofton, Neb.; sister, Sharon Thoene, Crofton; sister-in-law, Carol Kuchta, Yankton; friend/mother-in-law, Karlyn Painter, Montrose; sister-in-law, Kathy Painter, Montrose; brother-in-law, Steve Painter, Montrose; sister-in-law, Susan Painter, Montrose and sister-in-law, Vicki Carsrud (Doug), Montrose. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, two brothers and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Visitation will be Friday, May 29 from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Kinzley Funeral Home in Salem. A memorial mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., May 30 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Montrose.   

Arrangements were provided by Kinzley Funeral Home.