Dr. Elaine Hermanson Asp, age 85, of Lake St. Croix Beach, MN, passed away on December 25, 2013 at AftonCare St. Croix, in Afton, MN.

Elaine was born on September 12, 1927 in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of John and Hazel (Paulson) Hermanson. Following her high school graduation from Milaca, MN in 1944, she attended St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota, where she obtained her doctorate in Food Science and Nutrition. Elaine was a professor at the University of Minnesota, teaching food science and nutrition. Furthermore, she enjoyed conducting research in the field of cereal chemistry. Her research would find her traveling to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica.

She was united in marriage to Raymond Earl Asp on August 18, 1951 at St. Anthony Lutheran Church in St. Anthony, MN, a marriage that would be blessed with two children, Wayne and Darlene.

Elaine thoroughly enjoyed her career, from which she retired in 1999. She was a proud member of the Clovia Sorority and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. She also enjoyed weaving and hand crafts like knitting and sewing. She was an avid cook, and participated in many bridge clubs. Her bible study groups were also important to her. Her greatest time spent was with her family. She enjoyed traveling with Ray and camping with the children as they were growing up. She also loved time at the lake with her pride and joy: her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ray; children: Wayne (Julie) Asp of Lakeland, MN, and Darlene (David) Bentz of Green Bay, WI; grandchildren: Ryan (Lisa) Asp, Michael (Danielle) Asp, Stacy Asp, and Stephanie, Nicole, and Victoria “Tori” Bentz; great-grandchildren, Ian and Elena Asp. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral Services for Elaine will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 S. Hudson Rd., Afton, MN with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Interment following the service at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the University of Minnesota Food Science Program and the University of Minnesota’s Clovia Sorority.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI. (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com