Elrene Mae Heinecke was born March 15, 1921, at Kilkenny, Minnesota to Joseph and Matilda Rose (Zellmer) Halik, Sr. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class from New Prague High School in 1939. After graduating she attended the Minneapolis Business School.During World War II she enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Eltoro, California. On March 30, 1946, she was married to Lester C. Heinecke at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. For several years she was employed by Minnesota Farms Company and C & H Farms.Elrene was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was active with the senior choir, served as a Sunday school teacher, and numerous other church organizations and activities. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and was long-time chairperson of the Appleton Red Cross. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and going to her cabin on Battle Lake.Elrene died on Sunday morning, October 9th, at Knute Nelson Care Center in Alexandria. She had attained 90 years, 6 months, and 24 days of age.She is survived by two sons: Jeff (Sue) Heinecke and Glenn Heinecke all of Alexandria; three grandchildren: Jason Heinecke, Jon (Ashley) Heinecke, and Nicole (Travis) Bjerke; three great-grandchildren: Mya, Kason, and Kolden; her sister, Florence Shaleen, of Deephaven; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester C. Heinecke, in 1967; an infant son on October 9th, 1957; her son, Roger G. Heinecke; her brother, Joseph Halik, Jr.; three sisters: Evelyn Halik, Helen Wishmeyer, and Jayne Heinz; and her parents-in-law, George and Pauline Heinecke.