Elsie was born at home on a dairy farm, outside Moquah, Wisconsin, Bayfield County, September 17, 1916, to Frank and Anna Novak Kramolis. Her Babka, Grandmother Rosalie Nowak, was the midwife. Elsie didn't speak English until she went to the Moquah State Graded School. She graduated from Ashland High School, while working four years as a live-in nanny and housekeeper. Surviving the Depression, she worked in Chicago at the Presbyterian Hospital and Western Electric, on Army and Navy radio transmitters.
In 1943, "to free a man to fight," Elsie volunteered for the Women's Marine Corps. Her proudest and fondest moments came during her years in the Marine Corps serving in motor transport driving trucks, busses and jeeps. She served in Ewa, Hawaii, and El Toro, California where she transported servicemen and USO entertainers, including Groucho Marx. Elsie was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant, in August 1946. After discharge, Elsie and another uniformed gal, hitchhiked up the West Coast, into Canada, across to Alberta, back into the States and home to Moquah.
Married to "John the Barber" Lajcak, in 1948, Elsie raised four children along with her sister's son, Steve Bledsoe. Always frugal, Elsie was a stay-at-home mom and used her military discharge money to buy John an airplane, a J3 Cub. Soon after, John and Elsie bought a lot on Pine River, near Saxeville. John built a cabin there from the torn down steeple of the Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Oshkosh. Many, many happy times were spent at "the shack' with family, friends and River neighbors.
Finally, Elsie and John bought a house on Nevada Avenue where Elsie lived until 2011, collecting fifty-six years of memories, and serving her community; Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, Blue Bird and Camp Fire Girl leader, and PTAs. A member of the Presbyterian Church, Elsie served as deacon and usher. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, served as President of the Women's Service Guild, member of the Miriam Circle and Missionary Sewing Ladies. She also tutored Hmong and Kurdish refugees in English.
As a WWII veteran, Elsie was an active member of the American Legion, Post 70, for over 65 years and was the first woman commander. She always said she liked having 700 men under her! She was commander not once but twice. As the wife a veteran, Elsie was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 65 years.
Elsie was a member of the Patriot Council, the Winnebago Detachment 357 of the Marine Corps League, and the Marine Devil Dogs. In 2003, Elsie received the Legion of Honor Award by the Chapel of Four Chaplains in "Recognition of selfless service from the individual who contributes to the well being of their community and to a spirit of interfaith cooperation." In 1997, Elsie also was awarded – Marine of the Year, Winnebago Detachment – Marine Corps League stating "Marine Lajcak's most notable traits are considered to be her HONESTY, CONSIDERATION toward others AND ESPECIALLY HER DEDICATION TO DUTY."
Elsie was an active member of the Veterans Patriotic Council, the Women's Patriotic Council, Wisconsin Czechs, Moquah Ethnic Association, USMC Motor Transport Association and a docent at the Veterans' Museum in Oshkosh. Elsie was also Key Holder for the Last Man's Club. In addition, she was a poet and writer, recording her life memories and writing many letters to the editor.
She has been preceded by death by; her husband John Lajcak, sisters Marie Kramolis, Rose Bledsoe and Emily Kramolis; and brother Frank Kramolis. Remaining are brother John Kramolis, Bayfield, WI, sons Robert Lajcak (Sandy Czachor) Tucson, AZ, Kenneth Lajcak (Mary), Oshkosh, and daughters Michelle (Michael) Perdue, Renée (Brian Babler) Lajcak, Madison, WI, granddaughters, Miranda Perdue, Seattle, WA and Marisa (Ryan) Gibler, Moscow, ID, grandson, Chris Lajcak, Oshkosh, and great-grandchildren, Avi and Loïe Gibler, Moscow, ID.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Stroke Association or the Military Veteran's Museum of Wisconsin (in Oshkosh). A service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 110 Church Avenue, Oshkosh, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, with a 12 noon-2:00 visitation. Following the service there will be a meal at the church.