Elaine J. Cotton (Kuzenski) passed away on April 4, 2026. She was born on July 23, 1925, to the late Frank and Elsie (Maxam) Kuzenski in Stetsonville. In 1930, Elaine moved with her family to Greenville, where she later graduated from Appleton High School with the Class of 1943.

Elaine married John H. Cotton on June 17, 1950, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Greenville. She worked for many years at Sears and later retired from Thrivent in 1987.

Elaine is survived by her children: Jack (Joyce) Cotton, James (Debra) Cotton, and Lynn Cotton-Kettenhofen; her grandchildren: Matthew (Amy), Mark (Jenny), Shane, and Megan Cotton, and Sam (Hannah) and Jake Kettenhofen; and her great-grandchildren: Ryah, Grayson, Grant, and Alyssa Cotton. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Cotton; her brothers, Archie (Marion) Kuzenski and Lester (Awanda) Kuzenski; her sister, Clara (Vilas) Streck; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law: Robert (Marie), Howard (Virginia), Walter (Marjorie) Cotton, and Gladys (Clement) Wolf.

For many years, Elaine generously volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Elaine was lovingly known as “Kuzy” by many family and friends. Guided by her strong faith, Kuzy lived her life with joy, gratitude, and laughter. She was especially cherished by her grandchildren, who will forever treasure the countless memories of love, warmth, and humor she shared with them.

Funeral services for Elaine will be held at 11:30AM, on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. Visitation will be held on Monday at the funeral home from 9:30AM until the time of the service. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rennes Memory Care for their compassionate care and dedication to Elaine. We also sincerely thank Bristol Hospice, with special appreciation to Heidi and Greg for their kindness and support. Our deepest thanks as well to Dr. Jack Anderson for his compassion and devoted care of our mother.