Kringen, Elaine (Holst) was born on December 3, 1923, in Chicago IL to Lars and Anida (Jensen) Holst. She graduated from Fenger High School and enrolled at St. Olaf College in the fall of 1941. She met her future husband, Duane, during her freshman year. They were married July 19, 1944, in Chicago. After graduating from St. Olaf in 1945, Elaine taught in the St. Olaf Women's Physical Education department. With the birth of their first child, Elaine became a stay-at-home mom, tending to her growing family and serving in many church and community organizations. After her children were grown, she worked for the Norwegian American Historical Association, which combined her love of history with her love of all things Norwegian. She is survived by her husband of 73+ years, Duane; children Janet (Terrie) Thompson, Peggy Soden, and Andrew (Dawnette); brother Lawrence Holst. Five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Elaine died March 18, 2018, at Cottages on Forest in Northfield. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials suggested are for St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield, St. Olaf College, or the Northfield Public Library. Arrangements by Bierman Funeral Home. biermanfuneralhome.com