Elaine H. Corey

Elaine Helen Corey, age 99, of Watertown, SD, formerly of Bryant, SD,  passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Edgewood Cedar View Care Center. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bryant. Pastor Dave Nerdig will officiate.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bryant.

Elaine was born on July 18, 1926, to Selmer and Emma (Stormo) Larson in Watertown, SD.  She grew up in Hayti where she attended grade school and graduated from high school.  She worked briefly at the Hamlin County Courthouse in Hayti after graduating from high school.

On December 14, 1947, she married Clifton Corey. They lived on a farm outside of Bryant, SD, until Clifton died in 2016. Elaine stayed on the farm until 2018 when she moved to Watertown.

Elaine helped milk cows and run the farm until 1972. At that time the dairy cows were sold, and beef cattle were added.  Early in her marriage, she baked birthday and wedding cakes using a recipe she created. Upon retiring she taught other ladies in the area how to make her cake. She was an avid gardener and loved flowers and had many around her yard. She enjoyed sewing, making clothes and later intricate bedspreads and quilts.

Elaine is survived by her son; John (Judy) Corey, of Burnsville, MN.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton; parents, Selmer and Emma; sisters, Bernice, Oral and Mildred; brothers, Robert, Clayton, Sherman and Hans Christ; one infant brother and one infant sister.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com De Smet and Bryant

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