Elaine (Johnson) Yell

Elaine Yell, 81, of Argyle, MN, left this earthly life on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in North Star Manor of Warren, MN.

Elaine Marie Johnson was born on June 24, 1944, in Warren, Minnesota, to Inez and LeRoy “Bud” Johnson. She spent most of her life in the Argyle community. Elaine attended Country School in her early years before graduating from Argyle Public High School in 1962. She studied Secretarial Services at AVTI vocational school in Thief River Falls, Minnesota — where she met the love of her life, Harlan Yell.

As the story goes, Harlan first noticed Elaine while she was walking to a dance with a friend. He offered them a ride, and though he had a broken toe at the time, he somehow found the courage to ask her to dance. Elaine wondered how he’d manage to dance — but as everyone later said, the rest was history.

Elaine and Harlan were married on June 7, 1964, at the Community Presbyterian Church in Argyle, where she remained a lifelong member. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she served her church community faithfully as both a Sunday School teacher and an Elder.

Elaine began her working years as a secretary in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and later worked at Hart’s Grocery Store in Argyle and Valley Best Potatoes. However, the role that best captured her heart was running her in-home childcare, a calling she lovingly devoted 22 years to. Elaine had a special gift with children — nurturing them as if they were her own.

A woman of many talents, Elaine was both musical and athletic. She played the clarinet and accordion, and in her later years found joy in singing — her favorite song was Beautiful Brown Eyes by Connie Francis. Always spirited and competitive, she played softball, bowled, and golfed — even achieving a hole-in-one in 2003, a moment she proudly celebrated. In quieter moments, Elaine loved tending her garden and could always be found with a good book in hand.

Above all, Elaine’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted wife to Harlan, a loving mother to her two daughters, Shelley and Alison, and a proud grandmother of 4 and great-grandmother of 4. Her gentle heart, laughter, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Inez Johnson. She is survived by her beloved husband, Harlan Yell; daughters Shelley (Randy) Aamodt of Thief River Falls, MN, and Alison St. Germain of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren Michael (Alicia) Aamodt and their children Addison (10), Brody (7), and Margo (5) of Ada, MN; Chelsey (Dustyn) Engstrom of Brookings, SD, and their son Hjelmer (10.5 months); Mackenzie (William) McGraw of Waukee, IA and Elayna St. Germain of Des Moines, IA; sister Carol (Gerald) Hanson of Fargo, ND; nephews Brad (Marsha) Smedshammer of Seattle, WA, and Mark (Sarah) Hanson living in Thailand and their children Liv (17) and Dane (14) Elaine’s legacy lives on in the love she shared, the laughter she brought, and the lives she touched.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Our Savior's Free Lutheran Church in Argyle, MN.

VISITATION: One hour before services.

INTERMENT: Woodlawn Cemetery, Argyle, MN