Elaine Ellen Entzian

Elaine Ellen Entzian, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on 1/14/24. Born 11/11/45 to Alfred Herman and Mary Matilda Entzian, Elaine was the youngest of her four siblings, Hattie, Albert, and Alma.

Elaine was loved by everyone who met her. She was always so kind, interested in what others had to say, supportive and willing to help those in need. Elaine was nonjudgmental and got along with anyone no matter their views. She was a bright star that will be missed by many.

Early on, Elaine helped her father with the daily farming chores and helped her mother with household chores…all while maintaining high grades throughout her school years. In high school, Elaine was a cheerleader and graduated salutatorian.

After high school, Elaine remained in the family home, as was customary in traditional German families, and helped her parents through the final phases of their lives. She remained in the original homestead with her niece, Sandra, until her passing. 

Elaine was a loyal employee and made many lifelong friendships working first for the law firm, Mitchell, Haskell, and Duly and then for Bob Hall, a beverage distributor. She quickly became a trusted advisor and jack of all trades for her ability to quickly research issues, negotiate solutions, and implement the solutions at the best price. She was especially known and appreciated for coordinating wonderful company holiday celebrations.

Elaine had an impeccable memory and loved talking about our family history. As the Entzian family historian, she often regaled us by fondly telling stories of her childhood days and the antics of her siblings on the farm or by tracing the Entzian family’s migration from Germany to Wisconsin and then to Maryland. Her interest in the Entzian genealogy also included family recipes and traditions, which she shared with the entire family.

Elaine was dedicated to the praise and worship of our Lord and lived a full life of service to others. Over the decades she attended the First Lutheran Church of Bowie, she functioned in many roles. She served as Church Secretary. She led the Cemetery Committee which included recordkeeping, graveyard logistics for burials, and organizing cemetery cleanup days. She also led the Ladies Guild and served as co-coordinator for the Annual Bazaar and Chicken Barbeque with her best friend Pam Degourse. 

While Elaine’s first love was traveling, her happy place was at home working outside in her garden tending to her beautiful flowers. In her later years, Elaine began scrapbooking to document her travels. She spent many hours and had fond memories of working with her fellow “scrappers” at church.

Elaine is survived by her sister and her husband, Charles and Alma Schultz, her nieces and nephews, Sandra Makauskas, Karen Spano and her husband Mark, Sharon Carrick, Robert Maenner and his wife Marie, David Maenner and his wife Tammy, Gary Entzian and his wife Tami, and Donald Entzian and his wife Lynette.

Viewing, service, interment, and repast meal will be at the First Lutheran Church of Bowie, located at 12710 Duckettown Road, Laurel, MD 20708. The family requests donations to the First Lutheran Church of Bowie Cemetery Fund in lieu of flowers. Donations should be made out to and mailed to First Lutheran Church of Bowie Cemetery Fund, PO Box 120, Bowie, MD 20719.