Elaine Cielocha, 89, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, February 9, 2025, at her home in Columbus.

Private family interment will be held in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery at a later date.  No other services are planned. Memorials may be directed to the Platte County Historical Society.

Elaine Cielocha was born November 17, 1935, to Walter and Gertrude (Luchsinger) Michaelsen in rural Platte County Nebraska. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus. She graduated from Kramer High School in 1953. On April 18, 1953, Elaine was united in marriage to Richard "Dick" Cielocha after he returned from the military. Together they enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Elaine was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus.

Elaine worked for the Department of Labor as a Claims Deputy when the couple resided in Norfolk. After returning to Columbus, she worked at the Platte County Courthouse as the PBX receptionist until her retirement. Elaine was active with PTA and Girl Scouts when her daughters were young.  She served as a precinct supervisor for elections. Elaine enjoyed attending her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's school events. Elaine and Richard enjoyed taking vacations with the grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Elaine also enjoyed Husker football and volleyball games.

Elaine's family would like to give special thanks to Ascera Care and their staff for the excellent hospice care that she received during her illness.

Elaine is survived by:
Daughter - Jean Cielocha of Columbus, NE, formerly of Evanston, WY
Daughter - Mary Finecy of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter - Angela Smith & Fiancé Jacob Kaiser of Columbus, NE
Great-Grandchildren - Shayleen Smith of Emporia, KS, Dante Smith, Drake Smith, Dean Smith, and Charleigh Kaiser, all of Columbus, NE
Grandson - Ryan Finecy of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter - Hayley Finecy of Columbus, NE
Great-Grandchildren - Breann and Paisley Finecy of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter - Leah Finecy of Columbus, NE
Great-Granddaughter - Lexus Timm of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter - Jaime (Levi) Steuve of Battle Creek, NE
Great-Grandchildren - Miles Steuve, Sterling Steuve, and Great-grandson Steuve due in June 2025
Grandson - Josh (Emma) Finecy of Omaha, NE
Great-Granddaughter - Jayde Finecy of Omaha, NE
Sister-in-law - Patricia Michaelsen of Columbus, NE

Elaine was preceded in death by:
Husband - Richard "Dick" Cielocha
Her Parents - Walter and Gertrude Michaelsen
Infant son - Michael Cielocha
Brother - Dwight Michaelsen
Lifelong friend - Marlene Brentzel