Elaine Fikan

Elaine Bertha Fikan, 97, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Home in Atwood, KS. She was born on October 17, 1926 to Matthias and Bertha (Allacher) Leinwetter.

Elaine grew up in Herndon along with her sister, Lorene, and her brother, Edward. Following her graduation from Herndon High School in 1944, she attended Fort Hays State College to obtain a teaching certificate. She began teaching at the Herndon Grade School and later taught at a country school.

Elaine and Lavoe Fikan were married in Herndon on August 3, 1947. Two daughters were born to this union, Kathryn Ann and Connis Marie. The family attended the Atwood Methodist Church with Elaine teaching Sunday School and participating in youth and adult choir activities.

During the 1960s, Elaine worked for the Atwood schools as a library assistant and a vocal music assistant. In 1973, Elaine and Lavoe purchased the Atwood Floral Shop which Elaine operated until she retired in 1997.

After Lavoe’s death in July 1994, Elaine spent the winter months in Phoenix, AZ with Connis. After Connis’ death in 2009, Kathy moved to Atwood to live with her mother. They enjoyed many years together until Kathy’s death in 2020.

Elaine is survived by two grandchildren, Troy Gray and Jennifer (Cooper) Gulley, and by several nieces and nephews from the Leinwetter and Fikan families.

The family will receive friends from 4-6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Memorial Service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Atwood United Methodist Church, with inurnment in Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials may be made to the Atwood Methodist Church, Herndon Museum, or Atwood 2nd Century and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com