Marcine Elder

In Loving Memory Of

Marcine Mae Elder

Marcine Mae Elder was born in Huron, SD on October 9, 1946 to Keith and Wanda (Johnson) Smith. After attending rural school, Marcine graduated from Wolsey High School in 1964. While attending South Dakota State University in 1965, Marcine met her future husband Jack while both were working in the cafeteria. Jack and Marcine were engaged while at State, graduated in the spring of 1968, and were married in August of that same year. Upon graduation, the couple moved to Sandpoint, ID where Jack was employed in a drug store as the pharmacist. After moves to Augusta, GA, Alexandria, MN, and Winona, MN, Marcine began her teaching career in Fulda in 1977 and taught until 2020. Marcine’s teaching career was as broad in context as it was numerous in years. She began teaching in Fulda as a substitute, later taught Title I and Math, and eventually worked her way into the Family and Consumer Science position. She held that position until her retirement in 2017. 

Marcine was very active in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She took over the position of advisor of FCCLA (then referred to as Future Homemakers of America or FHA) in 1983 and remained the local advisor through 2017. Marcine graciously contributed annually to multiple local, state and national committees and programs. At the local level, she created the Fulda Holiday Food Drive, the Penny Drive, and the Fulda Veterans Day program. Marcine’s participation and contributions at the state and national level were even more impressive. She was a National Master and Mentor FCCLA Advisor, MN State Advisor of the Year, National FCCLA Star Event Lead Consultant 2001-2018, and FCCLA National Student Body Project Winner Advisor in 2003. Marcine also advised three National FCCLA Officers (two of them being her sons Justin and Tyson), and sixteen Minnesota State Officers. 

Most recently, Marcine was awarded with the FCCLA 2021 National Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes outstanding contributions and continuing service through individuals whose primary responsibilities are directly related to the organization’s programs. Marcine possessed incredible drive, determination, and a passion for organization. She felt that these skills were paramount in order to succeed. But her most positive influences were with her students and can be best stated in her own words. When asked about the highlights of her career, “It is working with all the youth, and watching them become comfortable in their own leadership styles. As an analogy, it’s like starting as a small bud that later opens into a beautiful flower.”

Marcine’s hobbies included gardening, quilting, antique shopping, a position on the Maple Lawn Nursing Home Board, traveling, and watching her sons and grandchildren compete in their multiple sports. There are many humorous stories that stem from family vacations, and many countless hours of “bleacher butt” endured in the support of her beloved sons and grandchildren.

Marcine is survived by her husband Jack; children, Erin (Terri) Elder of Windom, MN, Ryan (Melissa) Elder of Burnsville, MN, Justin (Traci) Elder of Edina, MN, and Tyson (Stella) Elder of Brandon, SD; grandchildren, Kaden, Reegan, Greyson, Taylor, Alexis, Abbigail, Sam, Quinn, Olivia, Keeton, Jonah, Nehemiah, Truett, and Hazel Elder; and siblings, Sharon (Gary) Van Riper, Wayne (Kathy) Smith, Betty (Mike) MacNeil, Dale (Bonnie) Smith, and Judy (Dean) Stevens. Marcine was preceded in death by her parents Keith and Wanda Smith.

Marcine passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the age of 75 at the Hospice House in Slayton, MN surrounded by family and loved ones.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Murray County.

Funeral Services

Fulda High School Fulda, MN at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 18, 2021 with Rev.  Randy Knuth officiating. 

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Fulda High School Gymnasium. The Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda is assisting the family with arrangements.

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