Elaine Schulstad

Elaine Mary Jane (Leegard) Schulstad (April 20, 1930 – September 6, 2025) Elaine Mary Jane (Leegard) Schulstad of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Wadena, MN died September 6, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family and under the care of Hospice of the Valley. Elaine was born April 20, 1930, to Ole and Julia (Hanson) Leegard in Detroit Lakes, MN. As a child, Elaine lived and worked on the family farm near Callaway, MN. She attended school in Detroit Lakes, graduating in 1948. Shortly after graduation, she met Alden E. (Pomp) Schulstad at the Erie 34 in Detroit Lakes, MN. They married in 1950 at Richwood Lutheran Church near Callaway, MN. Elaine and Pomp lived for a short time in Detroit Lakes, MN and Bemidji, MN before settling in Wadena, MN to raise their family. They were blessed with six children. While in Wadena, they were active members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). After raising her family and the passing of Pomp in 1978, Elaine worked at Zosel’s Our Own Hardware store (now Weber’s) in Wadena. Elaine was never a fan of Minnesota’s cold weather so in 1987 she made the big move to Mesa, AZ. While in AZ, she worked at several stores but loved her job at Cloth World. Elaine was a devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and always had sweets in the house, particularly chocolate. Norwegian delicacies were Elaine’s specialties: meatballs, lefse, krumkake, rommegrot, etc. Elaine loved to sew, making quilts and pajamas for the whole family. She donated her skills to do charity sewing of quilts, pillows, shirts and pajamas for the needy. Elaine was proud of her Norwegian heritage. She kept detailed genealogy records, and her house was decorated in many Norwegian items including rosemaling, pewter, and trolls. She was a member of Nordmanns Forbundet, Norwegian American Historical Association (NAHA), Sigdalslag and Hallinglag. Elaine is survived by one daughter, Verna (Steve) Uselman of Fort Peck, MT and Wadena, MN, three sons: Robert (Renee) Schulstad of DePere, WI, Ross (Darcy Johnson) Schulstad of Mesa, AZ and David (Lori) Schulstad of St, Francis, MN; five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Carl, a baby boy; four brothers: Julian, Lester, Odell and Ira; six sisters: Cora, O’lidia, Hazel, Sadie, Ortie and Joan. As requested, no formal services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials or donations can be made to Richwood Lutheran Church, Callaway, MN 56521, Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 Tax ID #86-0338886 or any dementia and pancreatic cancer research.

Elaine Schulstad

April 20, 1930 - September 6, 2025