Elaine Wise Obituary

Wise, Elaine Florence 90 years old, Chicago, Illinois, peacefully went to her heavenly home on Monday, October 30, 2017. Elaine was born September 5, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to Florence and Fred Natzke; she was an only child, a true Chicago native. After high school, she pursued a career as a singer that would eventually lead her to meeting and marrying Nelson Wise, in 1947. She led a full life filled with many business adventures. To name a few, a pet store, a dairy business, newspaper business, real estate business, and eventually opened two restaurants, Edelweiss and The Rathskeller in Norridge, Illinois. Elaine became a world traveler covering every continent with the exception of the North and South Pole. She was the head of several organizations and active in many civic groups. Elaine truly enjoyed life, especially good food. Nobody could describe a meal like Elaine, and we've got the photos to prove it, on every cruise, at every buffet. She would never pass on a good vodka martini and lest we not forget bingo. Elaine loved mysteries, including the mystery of her purse. Her steadfast rule was no one was allowed to go into her purse and the fear of what would happen has lived on for generations. This rule not only applied to her purse but also her beloved car. Watching the Cubs play and going to Casinos to play her nickel slots, were two of her favorite past times. Her motto was, "You don't go to the casino to win you go to have fun!" She was blessed with many wonderful friends throughout her life and truly loved her family. She is survived by her three beloved children, her daughter, Sharon (Joe) Kowalewski, Martha (Phil) Beck, and Fred (Cindy Rose) Wise. She was lovingly known to her grandchildren as Grandma BB - Shari (Martin) Allen, Michael (Rubi) Kowalewski, Andrea Infusino, Joe (Margot) Kowalewski, David Kowalewski, Jessica (Dave) Delfino-Funston, Justin (Jessica) Delfino and Jeanette Wise; as well as 8 great-grandchildren and several great-granddogs. Elaine was truly the epitome of her last name, Wise. She gained her wisdom through life experience and was never short of sharing her laughter and joy with others. Her memory will be carried on in the hearts of the many people who knew and loved her. Visitation Sunday November 5, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL 60706. Funeral Services begin Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home until time of Chapel Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Acacia Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army. For more info visit www.cumberlandchapels.com or 708-456-8300.