Elvera Timm Obituary

Elvera Timm, 87, of Kewaunee, WI passed on July 23, 2025. Elvera was born and raised in Arlington, MN. She married her late husband, Herbert, in 1963. She had 4 children and 3 grandchildren. She earned a teaching degree from Dr. Martin Luther College and a Bachelor’s degree from UW-Oshkosh. While raising her first 2 children she attained a Master’s degree in Reading from UW-Oshkosh and sent many postcards to her kids while she was on campus. She continued her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from UW-Superior.

Elvera was a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church, that guided her faith, education, and service to others. She began her career by teaching at the East Fork Lutheran Church on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. She returned to the Midwest and worked in Door County during the summer months. After a few years, she moved to Kewaunee full time and continued her career in education. Elvera was a well-known educator for decades in the Kewaunee public schools. She taught hundreds of students throughout her career and was always happy to encounter them later in life during their adulthood. Elvera Implemented “Drop Everything and Read” and “Reading Is Fundamental” in the Kewaunee schools, that gave students 20 minutes to read literature of their choosing every school day, in the spirit of personal enjoyment. Towards the end of her teaching career, she became the assistant principal of the 3 Kewaunee public schools.

Elvera was a professional pianist and keyboardist. She was a church organist for many years and performed complex interludes and excelled with disciplined rehearsals. Elvera loved performing as well as attending music performances. She enjoyed theater and would seek out uncommon productions. She was in awe of the shows that she attended around North America. She looked forward to the Peninsula Players Theatre Season.

Elvera was an avid seamstress, making each garment with perfection. She loved creating things with her hands and made numerous pieces of clothing, counted cross-stich and needlepoint. She was an incredible cook and baker and was making food out of real ingredients decades before it became mainstream. She was a lifelong learner and took her first stained glass course when she was in her 60’s and her first ceramics class when she was 80 years old!

Elvera was very invested in her children’s education, placing a large emphasis on music and science. She participated in an untold amount of science fairs, music festivals and recitals. She instilled a love of reading, both in her profession and in her personal life.

Elvera along with Herbert, her late husband, were prolific gardeners with acres of hand grown and cared for produce. They grew, harvested, froze, and canned the majority of their own food for years. One of her kids remembers helping make pickles and accidentally resulting in a salty batch! After retirement, Elvera turned growing fresh produce, making preserves and canned goods into a second career as a farmers market vendor. She enjoyed spending time with her entrepreneurial grandson at several summer markets!

Elvera is survived by children: son Philip (Colleen) Timm; son Nathanael Addison (Kirk Critton); son Aaron (Holly) Timm; daughter Miriam (Ben) Brown; two grandsons: Adam Timm and Dylan Brown; brothers: Darwin Krueger (Evangeline), Kenneth Krueger (Marlene), Harlan Krueger (Barb), Ronald Krueger (Pamela); and sisters: Leona Thomas (Lowell), and Marlys Mayfield.

Preceded in death by husband, Herbert Timm; grandson, Samuel Timm; Parents: Ernst and Malinda Krueger; Brothers: Virgil (Arlys) Krueger, Orville Krueger, Raymond Krueger; Sister: Mayonna Krueger.

Per Elvera’s request, she will be buried privately, quietly, and humbly in the Riverview Public Cemetery, next to her husband, Herbert. Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services in Kewaunee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to:

Peninsula Players Theatre Annual Fund https://purchase.peninsulaplayers.com/Donations

Select “in memory of” and add Elvera’s name. If mailing a check, add “in memory of Elvera Timm” in the memo area.

Kewaunee Public Schools Build the Future Foundation https://www.kewaunee.k12.wi.us/page/build-the-future-foundation

Mail a check to Kewaunee School District, 915 3rd St., Kewaunee, WI 54216 Attn: Build The Future. Add “in memory of Elvera Timm” in the memo area.

Many thanks to the numerous individuals at the Kewaunee Care Center who supported Elvera during her stay. She was so appreciative and was delighted to see friendly faces, including those of some of her past students.