Elaine M. Reynolds, age 92, died on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at the Columbus Community Hospital. She was born on October 24, 1920 in Black Earth Wisconsin to Alvin and Viola (Kading) Brager. Elaine was a graduate of Mazomanie High School. She married Elvin W. Reynolds on February 14, 1941 in Dubuque, IA. Elaine worked for the Wisconsin Draft Board during WWII where she was an early advocate for equal pay for men and women doing the same work. She was de facto manager for Elvin's work with Wisconsin Herd Management of DeForest, and was the first female Elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbus. Elaine was very involved in her community and causes about which she cared…..Girl Scout leader, election time voting station volunteer, reading to elementary school students, serving on many Columbus 4th of July and Miss Columbus committees, chaperoning successful Miss Columbus candidates to Ohio.
She kept her mind sharp through a life of active reading, reflection, natural curiosity, and participation in many family discussions concerning contemporary issues, particularly politics from local to international. She understood the value of education as a pathway to a fuller life and imparted that value to each of her children. Elaine was a world traveler. Throughout her life she took frequent family trips to destinations such as: Alaska, Sweden, Russia, Peru (Manchu Picchu), Croatia, Italy, Sicily, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, England, Germany, and especially Norway—her ancestral home. Elaine lived a long, active, full life—during which she was wife, mother, sister, mentor, and friend. Loved by all who knew her, she was the light of our lives, the fabric that held our family together, and our inspiration to live good lives and care for others. She will be missed more than words can express. Survivors include two sons, Dr. Ralph E. (Bonnie) Reynolds of Park City UT, and Dr. Thomas H. Reynolds (Cindy Fragozo) of San Diego CA; two daughters, Kathleen (Al) Fandre of Wausau and Karen Reynolds of Columbus; nine grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; two brothers from Lodi, Ray (Aileen) Brager and Alvin (Bud) Brager; Candyce Reynolds (friend and family member) and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvin in 2007; two infant children, Dennis and Kimberly; daughter and son-in-law, Kristine and Gerald Beck; brother, Cleary Brager. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Columbus. Rev. Carol Hermann officiated. Interment was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Lodi. Visitation was from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home, and from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the church on Thursday.