Lifetime Aberdeen resident, Elaine “Midge” Bednarik, passed away in Hoquiam on Dec. 12, 2024 at the age of 90. She was born on Oct. 20, 1934 in Aberdeen to parents William Noah Hartzog and Cecelia (Dombroski) Hartzog. Elaine was a 1952 graduate of Weatherwax High School and also attended Grays Harbor Community College.

On Sept. 20, 1952, she married her sweetheart, Gerald E. Bednarik, Sr. They made their home on the Wishkah Valley and enjoyed 72 years of marriage. While raising her family, she worked as the receptionist in the radiology department at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Aberdeen. Elaine was a member of several groups including the Wishkah Homemakers, Wishkah Pinochle Club, the Polish Club, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the St. Aurillas Guild, and the Aberdeen Pioneer Club. She loved traveling, spending time with family and friends, relaxing at their cabin on the Hood Canal, and snow birding in Yuma, Arizona. She was the hostess for many family gatherings throughout the year, especially during the holidays.

Elaine is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald Bednarik, Sr.; her parents, William Noah Hartzog and Cecelia Wolkiewicz; her brother Albert “Junior” Sogard; and her grandson Brian David Bednarik.

She is survived by her sons, Gerald (Paula) Bednarik, Jr. of Aberdeen and David Bednarik of Elma; daughters Carol (Darryl) Druzianich of Elma and Karen (Craig) Royer of Dayton, Ohio; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen, the Wishkah Valley Fire Department, or the Aberdeen Fire Department.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.

A graveside service will be held for both Gerald and Elaine on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at St. John’s Cemetery at 11:00 am. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 pm at the Aberdeen Polish Club.