Elaine Lois Zuge

Elaine Lois (Lange) Zuge, age 94, of Manawa, WI, died peacefully on May 1, 2026, and has now entered into her heavenly home.

Elaine was born on the Lange family farm in the Town of Union, Waupaca County, Wisconsin on March 2, 1932, to Walter W. and Lillian L. (Carey) Lange. She was baptized on March 20, 1932 (Palm Sunday). Elaine confirmed her faith on June 17, 1945, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manawa, Wisconsin.

Elaine graduated from eighth grade at Knowledge Hill School in 1945 and Little Wolf High School in 1949. She then pursued post-secondary education at: the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where she received a two-year Rural Degree in 1951 and the Universities of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and Oshkosh completing a Bachelor of Education Degree plus twenty-four Masters Degree credits in 1961.

On April 18, 1953, she married the love of her life, Clifford E. Zuge at Zion Lutheran Church in Manawa. Clifford preceded his wife in death on June 5, 1990. They enjoyed 37 years of happiness together.

Elaine shared the following message:

"My life was blessed with "three" precious loves.

My first love is Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. Throughout my 94 years, He has always guided me and watched over me. Just remember the poem "Footprints" and know that He has carried me so many times.

My second love is my deceased husband and our family of three children, seven grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren. For every tomorrow that we shall experience together, may God light our way!

My third love is my career as a teacher for 39 years. Teaching each child was a unique and very personal, meaningful experience. The rewards of a teacher are endless and truly precious."

"Mrs. Zuge," as she is still lovingly called by former students, was passionate about her teaching experiences that spanned 39 years. Her first teaching experience was at Marble School in Clintonville where she taught grades one through eight from 1951 to 1956. She taught grades one through eight from 1956 to 1958 at Block School in Ogdensburg. From 1958 to January 1962, she taught grades five to eight in a rural school in Symco that was part of the School District of Manawa. Elaine completed her teaching career at Manawa Middle School teaching seventh and eighth grade Language Arts from 1974 to 2000. Elaine also worked for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for three years where she was the Title I accountant for district grant funds. Elaine was honored to be nominated by her colleagues and to receive the "Recognition in Excellence" teaching award in 1988. Elaine was extremely proud of having organized and established the first forensics program at Manawa Middle School in 1977. Elaine noted that "this extra-curricular program has been one of the most rewarding and exciting ventures in my teaching career".

Since retiring from teaching in 2000, Elaine enjoyed reading, traveling, and volunteering. She visited all fifty states; all Canadian provinces including the maritime provinces; along with London, Paris, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. Elaine shared that these trips were all dreams come true! Elaine baked angel food cakes and joined the Zion ladies in leading monthly games for residents at the Manawa Community Living Center. She served as a S.T.E.P. volunteer with the School District of Manawa and supported many youth in their education. Elaine also served in numerous leadership and service roles at Zion Lutheran Church as a lifetime member. She served as both president and vice president for the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Elaine was a reader, greeter, money counter, Sunday School teacher, and on the altar guild. She always said that making quilts on those special Thursday afternoons was wonderful therapy for her heart. Elaine was humbled and privileged to speak at over ten churches/conventions to present the beautiful story of "Rex, the Tree". This oral presentation was recorded by Our Saviors in Iola to be played on the WDUX radio station. She was so grateful that her friend, Diane Beyer, drove her all over Wisconsin for her speaking engagements. Elaine never missed her daily Bible devotional and prayer time.

Elaine will be remembered by her family and friends as a woman of courage, strength, grace, and compassion who was steadfastly guided by her Lutheran faith. She was, and is, a role model and leader to which many aspire. As an educator, Mrs. Zuge had the highest expectations for all her students while supporting their individual successes. To this day, former adult students will only call her Mrs. Zuge out of their respect for her. Elaine taught three generations of families in numerous instances.

Elaine is survived by: Daughter, Melanie Oppor of Ripon; Daughter, Tracie Carrick of Scandinavia; Son, Todd (Corrie) Zuge of Sobieski; Brother, Kenneth (Sandra) Lange, Sr. of Appleton; Sister-in-law, Violet Zuge of New London; Grandchildren- Jennifer (Brice) Oppor-Blankenship of Mesa, Arizona; Ashley (fiancé Dylan) Zuge of Hilbert; Jordan Zuge of Marinette; Adam (Nicole) Norder of Suamico; Hunter (Danielle) Carrick of West Bend; Kasandra Carrick of Scandinavia; Noah Carrick of Scandinavia; Great-grandchildren- Emma Norder; Hailey Norder; Holden Carrick; Special Godson, Harold (Bill) Carey; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and all her precious prayer and teacher friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifford E. Zuge; Parents, Walter W. and Lillian L. (Carey) Lange; Son-in-law, Randall E. Carrick; and Son-in-Law, David M. Oppor.

Elaine's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Dahlke Funeral Home, the Manawa Community Living Center, and ThedaCare Hospice for their compassionate support upon Elaine's passing.

Visitation for Elaine will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 9:00 am - 10:45 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 157 N. Main Street, Manawa, WI, 54949.

A funeral service for Elaine will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manawa, with Rev. Clay R. Salmela of Grace Lutheran Church (Ripon) officiating. A luncheon will be served following the committal service. All are invited to attend and share memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church in Manawa, Wisconsin or to a designated scholarship fund that will be awarded in 2027 to a Little Wolf High School senior pursuing a degree in education.