Elaine Wellmann Thielemann Grinde

Elaine Wellmann Thielemann Grinde, age 88, received her Angel Wings and passed peacefully at Kruse Village on January 11, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer/Dementia with family by her side. Elaine was a Breast Cancer survivor. She was born on May 1, 1935, in Brenham, Texas, to her loving parents Henry and Hilda (Blome) Wellmann Jr. Elaine grew up in Brenham with her siblings, Alton, Florine Wellmann (Larry Allen), Billy Ray (Rose) and Nelson (Dorothy). She attended and graduated from Brenham High School in 1953.

Elaine moved to Houston after graduation and worked at First National Bank downtown as a proof operator. She left the bank to marry and raise her children and later was employed by Bering Home Center for 25 years in accounts receivable and credit manager. She retired and moved back to Brenham.

Elaine married Milton Louis Thielemann of Welcome on April 17, 1955, at Immanuel Lutheran Church Wiedeville. Elaine was also baptized and confirmed at Immanuel. They had 3 children Michael (Cathy), Michelle (Steve Krischke) and Melisa (JR Brown). Elaine and Milton attended Zion Lutheran Church where they witnessed the baptisms and confirmations of all 3 of their children. Elaine was a Sunday school teacher to 18 month olds thru to the age of 3, at Zion for over 30 years. After 37 years of marriage, Elaine lost the love of her life, best friend and amazing dance partner. They both shared a love of all polkas and waltzes and seemed to glide across the dance floor seamlessly. Most weekends included dances that they attended or hosted throughout their marriage with their lifelong friends.

Besides dancing Elaine enjoyed sewing both personally and professionally. Her biggest sewing feat was a wedding dress for her niece Paulette on which they hand sewed every pearl and bead. Elaine loved baking and cooking. Her best dishes were her perfectly round chocolate chip cookies and peach cobbler. Her biggest baking feat was baking 15-30 dozen different Christmas cookies to deliver to the bank daily for two weeks for their customers. Elaine was queen of the casseroles and was one of the first to have an Amana range (microwave).

Several years later, Elaine met Ralph Grinde at a dance and within that year Ralph proposed to Elaine. They were married March 19, 2009, at St. John Lutheran Church, Cat Spring. Ralph has two daughters from his first marriage, Julie and Donna (George Autobee). Elaine and Ralph enjoyed rides in the country and Elaine traded in her city life for country and farm living. She even helped shear the sheep. Elaine and Ralph both enjoyed dancing together until she had to enter Kruse Village in March of 2020. Ralph was a very devoted partner, visiting Elaine daily up until her death.

Elaine’s grandchildren include: Savannah Krischke, Kayla (Justin Hermann), Garrison Thielemann, Meghan Burrell, and Sarah (Rykan Jones). Great grandchildren include: Brylea Herrmann, Cutter Herrmann, Kendall Burrell, Tori Burrell, JJ Jones, Drew Burrell, Paisley Keller, Brielle Jones and Baby H due soon. Step grandchildren include: Mia Autobee, Joseph Autobee, Jennifer (Justice McLemore) and Paula Krischke. Step great grandchildren are: Justina (Michael), Briana, Frank, Whitley, Paul (Alyssa), Nathan, Charrish, Hailey, Aaliyah and Kayzley. Elaine has 3 step great-great grandchildren Kameron, Zelene, and Grayson

Elaine had the privilege to be Baptismal Sponsor to the following nieces and nephew David Carroll Butler, Shari Renee Park, Paula Renee Allen and Lisa Kay Boxx

Elaine is survived by sister-in-law Elverna Borchardt, brother-in-law Wilbert and Dinora Thielemann and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elaine is preceded in death by: her husband, Milton Thielemann, parents Henry and Hilda (Blome) Wellmann Jr., brother Alton Wellmann, sister-in-law Rose Wellmann her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Herbert and Else (Wensel) Thielemann, in-laws, Walter and Evelyn Thielemann, Roy and Veda Bockhorn and Herman Borchardt.

Visitation will be held January 19th at Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer Street, Brenham from 8 am-7 pm, with family present from 4-7pm.

Service will be held January 20th at 10 am at St. John Lutheran Church, 480 Ross Street, Cat Spring.

Burial will be at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd., Houston 77077 at 2:30 pm the same day.

Nephews Glen Bockhorn, Craig Borchardt, Jason Borchardt, Arlen Thielemann, Jonathan Thielemann, Joel Wellmann, Neal Wellmann and Todd Wellmann will serve as pallbearers with David Bockhorn serving as the honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to your choice of churches: Immanuel Lutheran Church Weideville, 4529 Weideville Church Road, Brenham, Texas 77833, Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp Street, Houston, Texas 77009, St. John Lutheran Church, 480 Ross Street, Cat Spring, Texas 78933.

Elaine’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the Kruse Village caregivers who loved and cared for her and her sassy attitude. Special thanks to Acara Hospice for their constant care, love and attention that was given to Elaine in her time of need. Elaine truly loved each caregiver even though she may not have shown it at all times.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.