Elaine Mary Schaffner Hardyman, age 84 of Blanchardville, formerly of Shullsburg, died on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 at home surrounded by family after a long illness.  She was born on March 2, 1933 in Shullsburg to George and Mary (McManus) Schaffner.  She grew up in Shullsburg where she went to parochial school at St. Matthews and then to Shullsburg High School where she graduated in 1951 as the class valedictorian.  After high school she moved to Milwaukee where she worked at a bank.  She was married on June 13, 1953 in St. Matthews Catholic Church in Shullsburg to Kenneth Hardyman.  They moved into a farmhouse on County F next to the family farm where they lived until 1960 when they moved to Blanchardville with their four young children, then a fifth child was born in 1961.  A fire in May 1963 forced the family to move to their current address on School St. in Blanchardville where they raised their children.  In addition to raising her children she worked for various employers such as the Blanchardville Blade, the Eagles Nest, Advanced Transformer, and Trumpy’s Cheese where she retired in the mid 1980’s.
She spent a great deal of her life attending the various athletic and school functions of her children and grandchildren.  She followed Swiss Lanes fastpitch and the Blanchardville Bullets to many locations around southwest Wisconsin.  She and her husband of 64 years loved to golf as they were members at one time to both Edelweiss Chalet Country Club in New Glarus and Yellowstone Country Club in rural Argyle.  On April 29, 2004 she made a hole in one on the second hole at Yellowstone, something she could good naturedly brag about to her husband!  She was a huge Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers fan.  She loved her family and always made sure that birthday cards were sent on time.  She taught catechism for many years and was a woman of great faith.  She was a member of St. Isidore Parish at the time of her passing.
Elaine is survived by her husband Kenneth; five children, Mark Hardyman (friend Kerri Geis) of DeForest, Patrick Hardyman of Blanchardville, Theresa Heller of Brodhead, Tim Hardyman of Rochester, Minn., and Ann (Darrell) Vamstad of Blanchardville; one sibling Betty McGranahan of Darlington; eleven grandchildren, Michelle Hardyman, Stephanie (Kurt) Peck, Brittany (Brenton) Nelson, Megan (Nolan Kerkhoff) Heller, Rachel Heller, Dylan Hardyman, Taryn Hardyman, Ciera Hardyman, Rebecca Vamstad, Angela (Sam) Moyer, and Samantha Vamstad; three great grandchildren, Kai Kerkhoff, Makenna Peck, and Braxton Nelson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother John, and a stillborn son in 1955.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and aides of the Monroe Clinic, the Blanchardville Clinic, the Pleasant View Nursing Home, and the wonderful staff at Monroe Clinic Hospice who made her comfortable at home during her final months.  A special thanks to Kelsey, Angie, Jessica, Hillary, and Dr. Richardson of Monroe Hospice for their kindness and compassion to our family.  The family would also like to thank all who brought food, sent cards, or stopped for a visit during Mom’s illness, especially her good friend Joanne Kainz.
A visitation for Elaine Hardyman was held on Wednesday evening, Nov. 1, 2017 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Blanchardville Hall at 206 South Main Street in Blanchardville.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 304 Meadow Street in Blanchardville.  Fr. Paul Eruva officiated.  Burial was in the St. Michael›s Catholic Cemetery in Blanchardville.  The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at w.w.w.saetherfuneralhome.com.