Elgene Marie Van Riper, 83, of Owatonna, died Monday, May 5, 2014 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born September 7, 1930 in Albert Lea, Minnesota the daughter of Theodore and Margaret (Howell) Brand. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1949. Elgene worked for Produce State Bank in Hollandale. She married Warren Van Riper on April 25, 1953 at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. They made their home in Owatonna. Elgene worked as an audit manager for Sears in Owatonna for 15 years. In 1969, they moved to Rochester. In 1973, they moved to their lake home on Lake Tetonka until they returned to Owatonna in 1993. Elgene was very kindhearted and giving. She would always be the first to bring food, or help with any work that needed to be done. Even after her death, she continued giving and became an eye donor. She loved to sew, cook and enjoyed keeping house. Elgene and Warren traveled to every state, except Alaska. They also square danced and ballroom danced. She also enjoyed golfing with her friends. Elgene attended Civic Music Concerts and Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. She was a member of Home and Hobby Club, Women''s Club and Trinity Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband Warren Van Riper of Owatonna, sisters, Janice (and Keith) Klinksiek of Elmore, MN, Joyce (and Norman) Ruble of Missoula, MT; brothers-in-law, Darwin Knudtson of Moline, IL, John (and Irene) Van Riper of Glenville, MN; sisters-in-law, Apryl Brand of Yumah, AZ, Reedie Jacobs of Albert Lea, MN, Pat (and Bob) Fjelbrotten of Albert Lea, MN, and Joan (and Tennis) Loverink of Remer, MN; Goddaughter, Sonja Hanson of Blue Earth, MN; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; special traveling companions, nephew and niece, Rodger and Karen Christenson of Albert Lea. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Rita Knudtson, brother, Ted Brand, and nephew, David Knudtson. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday, May 9, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend Peter Strommen officiating. Interment will be in the Hollandale Cemetery in Hollandale. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund or donor''s choice. Visitation: 05/09/2014 17:00 05/09/2014 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 05/10/2014 11:00