They eloped on March 21, 1953, at Camp Roberts in California before an Army Chaplain! To have known Elaine Resel Tellifero and her dashing First Lieutenant George J. Tellifero was to be in the adventure of life. Elaine was born on the high plains of South Dakota September 11, 1930. George was born in southwestern South Dakota near Wounded Knee. Elaine joined George again when she passed on January 4, 2023. The family and friends will gather to celebrate their lives on Saturday May 27, 2023, at Faith Church of West Monroe Louisiana at 11:00 a.m.
Elaine was a remarkable woman, with great poise, dignity, spirit, intelligence, strength, and kindness. George was equally remarkable. He demonstrated strength in the storms of life, generosity to his neighbor, faithfulness to his nation, a towering intelligence, and a kindness and love that paired him with Elaine beautifully.
Elaine graduated from Concordia College. She was the formidable “Mrs. T.” of Pineville High School. She was a teacher for years in DeRidder Louisiana. She was the remediation instructor for then opening Boise Cascade of DeRidder. She truly was the unsinkable “Molly Brown.”
George graduated from the University of South Dakota and Stanford University. He was a veteran of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. He was a career soldier; starting as a non-commissioned officer and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He was our “Mister Rogers.”
Elaine and George were preceded in death by their parents and family.
Elaine’s family that preceded her were her parents Erick and Emma Resel; brother Joel; brother Edgar and wife Helen; sister Geneve and husband Carter; nieces Eunice and DeAnn; and Elaine’s husband George.
George’s family that preceded him were John and Eve Tellifero; and sister Claradel and husband Jim.
They both suffered the loss of son J Mark; granddaughter Sarah Grace; and grandson Davin.
Elaine and George are survived by son Jon and wife Beverly; daughter Heather and husband Brian; niece Janet; nephews Morris, Neal, Steve, and Paul; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers make gifts in their memory to Faith Church of West Monroe, 3510 Arkansas Road, West Monroe LA, 71291 or to your favorite charity.
Services are under the direction and care of Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe.
online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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