Elaine (Hayes) Blackmun, age 90
Elaine (Hayes) Blackmun, age 90, died at her home in East Grand Forks, MN on Wednesday, March 30, 2016.
Elaine was born on January 10, 1926 to John Lawrence and Alice (Savage) Hayes at their farm near Mountain Lake, MN. She grew up on her parent’s farm near Comfrey, MN. After graduation from Comfrey high school she married her high school sweetheart, Douglas Blackmun, on November 17, 1945. They began raising their family in southern Minnesota, where they ventured into the restaurant business while Doug pursued his career as a professional musician
They moved north to Grand Forks in 1956. Doug entertained nightly at the Dakota Hotel while Elaine continued working in the hospitality industry at several local establishments. In 1964 they purchased the original Grand Forks Country Club property in East Grand Forks and opened the River Bend Supper Club. They operated the River Bend for 41 years. Doug and his house band entertained. Elaine managed the food and beverage operation. Together they made many friends and fond memories until closing in 2005. Elaine was proud of her work ethic. She was happy to go to work every day until she retired at 87 years old when she permanently hung up her car keys.
Surviving family members include her children, Michael (Kim) Blackmun and Dennis (Nancy) Blackmun both of Grand Forks, Maureen Campbell of Bluffton, SC, Sheila (Bruce Watkins) Blackmun of Jefferson SD and Carol (Dan) Lawrence of Bloomington, MN, sister Lois (Robert) Kovacovich of Danville CA, seventeen grandchildren and twenty one great grandchildren;
Elaine is preceded in death by her parents; husband Douglas; grandson Scott Blackmun, granddaughter Andrea Blackmun, daughter in law Jo Marie Blackmun; son in law David Nevin Campbell; Brothers Joseph (Buck) Hayes, James (Ronnie) Hayes, and Richard Hayes; Sisters Alice (Lavita) Popken, Marcella White, Louella Roddy, Lauretta Skelly, and Joan Raverty;
The family asks that memorials be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, MN.
Memorial Service: 11:00 AM on Monday, April 4, 2016 in Sacred Heart Catholic, 200 3rd St. NW, East Grand Forks, MN.
Visitation: One Hour Prior Memorial Service on Monday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Inurnment: Resurrection Cemetery ~ East Grand Forks, MN
Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com
Arrangements By: Dahl Funeral Home ~ East Grand Forks, Minnesota
