Elaine J. Cuklanz Cowan

Elaine Joy Cuklanz Cowan, 68, of Polson, MT passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. Elaine was born on April 18, 1941 in Estherville, Iowa, the daughter of the late Fred and Doris Hannover Cuklanz. Elaine made education a priority and earned several degrees beginning in 1964 at the University of Iowa receiving her BA in General Science and Medical Technology, the Radioisotope Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN receiving an NM (ASCP) in Nuclear Medicine Technology in 1965 and later returned to the University of Iowa in 1968 to earn her Masters degree in Science Education and Radiobiology. In 1975, Elaine became involved with the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology, which accredits educational programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Later in 1981, Elaine became the Executive Director of the committee until her retirement in 2007. During this time span, Elaine's dedication to the field earned her much recognition in the Nuclear Medical Society. She was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson and a member of the PEO Ladies Group, which promotes the educational opportunities of women. Elaine loved to travel with her husband in their motor home and had the privilege of having traveled to both the Arctic and Antarctica. Besides her parents, two brothers, George and Walter Cuklanz precede Elaine in death. Those left with cherished memories are her husband, John S. Cowan of Polson: two step-children, John G. Cowan of Denver, CO and Wendy Windham of Roy, WA: and a brother, Harland Cuklanz of Witbraham, MA. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, November 13, 2009 from 1:00 ' 5:00 PM at the Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009, 10:30 AM, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson, with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Interment will occur in Elaine's hometown of Estherville, Iowa at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made as a donation to the Greater Polson Community Foundation, PO Box 314, Polson, MT 59860. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Elaine's family.
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