Elaine F. Panfil

On May 9, 2026 at 2:20 am, a cool wind suddenly blew through the window and Jesus said to Elaine, “Come Home”.

Elaine was lovingly welcomed to Heaven by her husband, Ken Panfil. Also greeting her with hugs were her parents, Adolph and Helen Hottovy, and her siblings, Marcie and George Hraban, Connie and Lou Belsan, and Eddie Hottovy. The love didn’t stop when she was reunited with her grandson, Ryan Andrichik and her nephew, Wayne Grezek.

Elaine was an integral and loving part of the lives of her beloved family.  Elaine’s earthly love was showered upon her children: Barry, Dina (Desmond Taylor), Vince (Lynne), and Vonni (Craig Andrichik).  Elaine’s precious grandchildren include Emma, Isaac (Kendra Kuhlman), Murphy Lipman (Craig), Evan (Brittni), Kasey Fell (Ben Hinz), Jamie (Jessi), and Ryan (Alyssa).  Elaine was blessed with 2 great-granddaughters, Jovie and Maven Panfil and great- grandson, Campbell Lipman.

The world was a party…just waiting for Elaine to arrive, because she brought the FUN! She started her life in a Nebraska farming hamlet called Dwight. Steeped in the tradition of Czechoslovakia, Elaine was raised with the love of family and a rich farming community, a tremendous work ethic, a devotion to God through the Catholic Church, and kolaches! After graduating from Dwight Assumption School, Elaine was ready for a bigger world. She joined the Red Cross in Atlanta. How brave!! Her worldly adventures continued as she happily traversed the friendly skies as a TWA flight attendant. The experiences she had! The best experience she had must have been when she fell in love with a sweet and handsome Chicago Cardinal football player named Ken Panfil. Together, they raised their 4 children in Chicago and Orland Park with love and discipline and joy. After being the BEST stay-at-home mom ever, Elaine carved out a long and impressive career in real estate, mostly with Baird & Warner. For 25 years she made many friends as she helped families find their dream homes.

Elaine was ready to do anything at anytime. She barely had to hear, “Would you like to…” and she would release a resounding YES!!! She travelled all over the world with family and friends.  Amsterdam with Dina. Hiking in Switzerland with Joann. Groovin’ to a reggae beat in Jamaica with Vonni. North Carolina with Vince. Mexico for Jamie and Jessi’s wedding. San Francisco, New York, and Charleston with various combinations of friends, Pam, Joann, MaryJo, and Marilyn. Omaha with Barry & Emma & Vonni. This list goes on and on.

*Her involvement with the Parish of St. Michael’s on many levels. She was most proud to serve as a Eucharistic minister each Sunday.

*Purdue and University of Miami Football games. She taught her kids how to host incredible tailgate parties. Who can ever forget the event she produced that was highlighted on national TV? That would be the phenomenal tailgate before the Catholics vs Convicts game…ND vs Miami. Epic!!!!

*Holidays. Elaine relished the opportunity to cook, bake, and decorate her home with enthusiastic joy and delight. All who entered her home were transformed to a magical place.

Elaine lived by the Golden Rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated. She exhibited this rule throughout her incredible life and it rubbed off on many. She had an infectious smile that lit up a room. It can never be forgotten how much Elaine enjoyed and employed the power of touch. It was impossible for her to be near someone without gently touching their hand or arm or face. Babies were treated to her patented hand hold, as her generous hands cradled their head and body and provided complete security. IYKYK!!

We love you…Elaine/Mom/Nan❤️

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort IL 60423 on Sunday, May 17th, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Funeral service at St. Michael Catholic Church, 14327 Highland Avenue, Orland Park IL 60462 on Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be private.