Elaine C. Guenther, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
She was born May 11, 1933 to William H. and Clara G. (Hansen) Musgrove in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She graduated from Central High School as class valedictorian in 1951 and received a four-year scholarship to Barnard College, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. While a student in New York City, she had the honor of performing in Carnegie Hall as a member of the Columbia University Chorus.
Elaine married William Henry Guenther on January 2, 1955 and was married 63 years before he passed away on February 21, 2018. They co-owned Artcrafts Engraving Company for over 60 years. Together, Elaine and Bill guided Artcrafts through decades of technological change in the photoengraving industry, while also raising three children and being an active part of their community and church.
Her life was one of service, leadership and devotion to her Lord and her family. Elaine was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church, and more recently St. Peter Lutheran Church. She was a member of the First Lutheran Chancel Choir, St. Joseph School Board, Council of Churches, Opera Guild Board, United Church Women, Buchanan County Certification Board, Heartland Hospital Auxiliary, Mayor's Citizens for Jobs Task Force, Republican Committeewoman for the 2nd ward and delegate to the Missouri Republican convention.
Elaine served as President of several St. Joseph organizations including the United Way Christmas Bureau, League of Women Voters, Edison School PTA, Economic Opportunity Organization Board, Historical Society, Mensa, State Hospital Auxiliary and Artcrafts Engraving Company.
Her honors and awards included Junior Chamber of Commerce Young Woman of the Year, Office of Economic Opportunity Urban Service award, YWCA Outstanding Woman Leader, and volunteer citations from the National Association of Mental Health, Methodist Medical Center, and St. Joseph State Hospital.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Survivors include her children, Glen Guenther (Karen) of St. Charles, MO, Ann Guenther Sherman of Long Grove, IL, and Max Guenther (Tammy) of St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren, Chandra, Chris, Nathaniel, and Nikki; great-grandchildren, Persephone, Jacob, Skyla, and Penton; sister, Karen Young; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Carrie Gilmore (Pat) and Scott Young (Gina) of St. Joseph, MO.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
