Elaine Marwede Barner

Elaine, née Marwede, Barner passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2026 at the age of 91. Elaine was born on May 5, 1934 at Alice Home Hospital on the Lake Forest College campus. The daughter of Alfred Edward and Lillian, née Gernenz, Marwede, Elaine was predeceased by her parents and beloved brother and sister-in-law, William and Carol Marwede. Elaine was a very active and faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest for many years. She attended Halsey School, Gorton School, Lake Forest High School and graduated from Illinois State University. After college, she and friends visited Cuba where gunfire in the distance presaged the fall of Batista. After specializing in educating the blind, she taught the partially sighted in Cicero. She subsequently taught at the newly rebuilt Everett School in Lake Forest. Later in life she followed her passion and studied fashion illustration. While ever modest about her own work, her professors consistently praised her sketches. In 1958, Elaine married Gilbert Barner. Together they had two children: Meg, née Barner, Dhamer and Jeffrey (Carrie) Barner. Elaine loved summers with her family in the Northwoods, tennis groups and elaborate birthday pranks with friends. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Sunday School teacher and tireless volunteer. Elaine survived breast cancer and divorce through her trusting faith in Jesus Christ. She loved her time in prayer and scripture every morning, while enjoying her garden filled with birds, bunnies and squirrels. One of Elaine’s greatest joys in life were her four grandchildren: Daisey (Eric) LeVine, Dennis (Jennifer) Dhamer, Luke Barner and Abigail Barner. She was also blessed with the great gift of four great-grandchildren whom she treasured: Robert LeVine, Frederic LeVine, Charles LeVine and Blair Dhamer. Elaine was gracious and overflowed with unconditional grace toward others. She has left a legacy of faith and love with all she knew. Elaine is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her lifelong best friend, Inge Knauz. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church, 700 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest. Interment will be private. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest at (847) 234-9649 or www.RTfuneral.com

Elaine Marwede Barner

May 5, 1934 - January 25, 2026