Memorial

Elaine Virginia Plank, 92 of Long Beach, California formerly of Eldon and Cedar Rapids died Friday June 12, 2015 at the V.A. Hospital in Long Beach, California. Services are pending. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Services at 1:00 PM on Monday at the Lake View Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where friends may call after Noon on Monday. Burial with military rites at the Lake View Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Survivors include her children Susan Biederman of Everly, Iowa and Steven Plank of Garden Grove, CA. Survivors also include four grandchildren, Michelle Biederman of Washington D.C., Michael (William Halls) Biederman of Shueyville, and Courtney and Caelan Plank both of Garden Grove California.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents John and Flora (Bartels) Rhyner, her brother Roger, and sisters Margie and Wanda. 

Elaine V. Plank was born February 10, 1923 in Oshkosh, WI. She was the second daughter (third child) of Flora (Bartels) and John Rhyner.

She graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1941.

She joined the Navy during WWll and was stationed at the Ottumwa, IA Naval Air Station where she met her future husband, Robert.

Robert and Elaine were married in 1946 and were married over 65 years.

In 1950 both Robert and Elaine attended and graduated from the Kansas City School of Watchmaking and Jewelry Repair. She was the first female licensed watchmaker in IA.

In 1960 they opened and successfully ran Plank Jewelers in the former Killian Dept. store in downtown Cedar Rapids. She was not only a watchmaker but a superb engraver as well.

She was a member of the Eldon United Methodist Church.

Elaine loved her husband and family. Elaine was gentle, kind and caring with people and had many dear family members and friends. She was a wonderful and loving mother who filled her children’s lives with joy and will be remembered for making holidays and celebrations magical. She will missed dearly, but we are grateful for the time and life we had with her.
In lieu of flowers a request to donate to Wounded Warriors would be appreciated. “The family wishes to express its gratitude for the care and compassion provided by all in the Hospice Center located in Long Beach California “Veterans Hospital”.