Elna Frances Kidder

Elna Frances Kidder, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in Shenandoah, Iowa.

She was born on May 2, 1937, at Lutheran Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, to Richard and Blanche (Jirka) Nielsen.

Elna worked as a switchboard operator earlier in her career and later retired as an Avon representative, a role she truly enjoyed and took pride in. She was a talented seamstress who lovingly sewed many of her children's clothes over the years. Elna also enjoyed crafting and spending time tending to her flower garden, which brought her much joy.

She will be remembered for her creativity, dedication to her family, and the simple pleasures she found in her everyday life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant sister, June.

Elna is survived by her children, Roanna Strohbehn, Carla Hoyt, DeeDee Riley (Pat), Richard Pigman (Kim); grandchildren, Logan Strohbehn (Chantel), Nolan Strohbehn (Lauren), Megan Schmitt (David), Levi Hoyt, Tyler Pigman (Sabrina Chappel), Brooke McKibban (Jacob), 6 great grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends. She will be loved and missed forever. 

Services will be held at a later date.