Elaine F. Malena, 86, of Clarkson, Nebraska, died Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Clarkson Community Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, December  29, 2025, at 10:30 AM at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson, with Fr. Rodney Kneifl celebrating the Mass.  Interment will be in the parish cemetery.  Visitation will begin on Monday at 9:30 AM with a Rosary being prayed around 10:10 AM, prior to the Mass at the church.  Memorials are suggested as those of the donor or family choice.

Elaine Malena was born on December 10, 1939, in Dodge, Nebraska, to Frank and Blanche (Diesterhaupt) Bazata.  She graduated from Dodge High School in 1957 and attended cosmetology school in Fremont.  On September 14, 1963, Elaine was united in marriage to Robert Malena in Howells.  The couple made their home on the Malena family farm until moving into Clarkson in 2004.

Elaine operated Elaine's Beauty Shop for five years.  Elaine was Bob's right hand in the farming operation.  She had a large garden, did her own canning, soap making, sewing, butchering, milking, making her own butter, etc.  Elaine was a hard-working farm wife, devoted to her husband and raising her two girls.  Together, Elaine and Bob traveled the world over searching for a cure for their daughters.  They later became "snowbirds" during the winter months, spending time in Texas.  She was a faithful member the SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church where she had served on the altar society.

Elaine is survived by:
Sister-in-law – Agnes Bazata of Howells, NE
Nieces and Nephews

Elaine was preceded in death by:
Parents – Frank and Blanche Bazata
Husband – Robert Malena on Nov. 14, 2025
Daughter – Beth Malena on May 3, 1994
Daughter – Brenda Malena on July 11, 2011
Twin Brothers – Melvin and Delvan Bazata