Elaine H. Middleton

Elaine H. Middleton, 88, a resident of Brownsville, died Friday, May 4, 2007, at St. Agnes Hospital, following a brief illness.She was born on December 12, 1918, in Greenwood, Wisconsin, a daughter of Carl and Elsie Freiberg Halle.On August 17, 1946, she married Robert H. Middleton, Jr., in Fond du Lac. They lived in Milwaukee until 1960, before moving to Brownsville.Elaine was employed as a crane operator at Allis-Chalmers Company, Milwaukee, for 37 years, retiring in 1979.She was a member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Brownsville. Elaine served as a volunteer for the Dodge County Senior Meals program. She was an avid letter writer, reader, traveler, animal lover and enjoyed attending musical events.She is survived by one brother, Harold (Geri) Halle of Brownsville; and nephews who Elaine considered to be the sons she never had, Richard (Sandy) Zitlow and Donald (Barb) Zitlow, together with other nieces and nephews; one brother-in-law, Lester Zitlow of Knowles; one sister-in-law, Chris Halle of Killeen, Texas; and special friend, Linda (Gary) Smet of Fond du Lac; and by many friends.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert on October 15, 1993; two brothers, Carl and Norman Halle; one sister, Ruth Zitlow; and one stepson, Robert J. Middleton.The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 605 Highland Street, Brownsville, with the Rev. William Carter officiating. Entombment will be in Ledgeview Memorial Park. The visitation will be on Tuesday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church or the Fond du Lac Humane Society.I’m FreeDon’t grieve for me for now I’m freeI’m following the path God laid for me.I took his hand when I heard him call.I turned my back and left it all.I could not stay another dayTo laugh, to love, to work or play.Tasks left undone must stay that way.I found that peace at the close of the day.If my parting has left a void,Then fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrow.I wish for the sunshine of tomorrow.My life’s been full. I savored much.Good friends, good times, a love one’s touch.Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.Don’t lengthen it now with undo grief.Lift up your heart and share with me.God wanted me now: He set me free.Author Unknown

Elaine H. Middleton

December 12, 1918 - May 4, 2007