Eleanor "Ellie" Petersen

Eleanor “Ellie” T. Petersen, age 91 of Alexandria, MN - formerly of Mankato, Rochester and Sioux Falls -  died Thursday, November 10, 2016, at Ecumen Bethany Home in Alexandria.

Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Fr. Steven Binsfeld officiating. Music is provided by pianist, Laurie J. Youngers and cantor, Erin Takle. Burial is 12:05 p.m., Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with parish prayers at 5 p.m., and a rosary to follow. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Eleanor was born on May 30, 1925, to William and Julia (Wooley) Munsch in Sioux City, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Eleanor attended Lake Benton High School and graduated as class valedictorian. She continued her education at business school. Eleanor made a career in secretarial and administrative positions at various places, retiring at the age of 65 after 12 years in the History Department at Mankato State University.

Eleanor was united in marriage to Norman James Petersen on November 27, 1947, in Tyler, Minnesota. They were blessed with four children.

Her favorite way to spend time was with her family, but passions included pride in homemaking, cooking, and gardening. She was a member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), and graduated to KOPS (Keep off Pounds Sensibly). As a member of the Red Hats Society, she donned festive hats and went out about town for lunch with the ladies. She was active in her church, in both choir, and as a Eucharistic Minister. She enjoyed walking, arts and crafts, music and vintage movies. Could occasionally be caught at the piano “chording” the way her mother taught her. And loved playing 500 - and being good at numbers, delighted at keeping score “so it was done correctly.”

Eleanor loved her family and had a sunny personality, which she possessed until the very last days of her life. Her caregivers remarked that in despite of her health challenges she remained a kind and friendly lady.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman; son, David; sisters, Julia Sand and Marvel Bartelt; and brother, Gene Munsch. After 25 years since her beloved Norman passed away, they are now united again.

Eleanor is survived by her three children; Nancy (Tom) Grotjohn of Alexandria, Joan (Joe) Tlustos of  Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Steven (Katia) Petersen of Sonoma, California; two sisters, Lucille Muchlinski of Marshall and Eunice Kinsman of Nokomis, Florida; brother, William Munsch, Jr. of Pipestone; four grandchildren, Linda Tlustos, Alexia (Dan) Portillo, Stefan Grotjohn and Christine Grotjohn; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Sofia Portillo;  and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers are Steve Petersen, Stefan Grotjohn, Tom Grotjohn, Joe Tlustos, and Linda Tlustos.