HESSE, Eleanor M., age 100

Died: Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

Funeral Service: 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the funeral home

Visitation: from 3:00 p.m. until time of service

Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial be given to Lutheran World Relief https://lwr.org/ or Feed My People https://www.fmpfoodbank.org/

Eleanor Margaret Hesse, age 100 of Eau Claire, died Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Heatherwood Assisted Living in Eau Claire. 

Eleanor was born August 9, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York to Eigil Bergendahl and Gudrun Hansen. She graduated from Bay Ridge High School Brooklyn in 1942 and from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota in 1946. In college, Eleanor met her future husband, Donald Hesse. They were married in 1948 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, New York. Soon after their marriage, Eleanor and Donald spent the summer in Norway for an extended stay with Eleanor's grandparents and relatives in Bergen and in Risør, Norway, the boyhood hometown of Eleanor's father. Eleanor and Donald lived in Minneapolis during their early married years, moving to Eau Claire in 1958. They were both active in community organizations and as members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church (now Spirit Lutheran).  

After Don's retirement from his investment firm, the two made frequent trips to visit children and grandchildren, and to see foreign countries and participate in elder hostel programs. They were active in several Norwegian heritage organizations, as volunteers at Luther Hospital and in their church. Eleanor remained an unquestioned source of love throughout her long life. Her unwavering faith and her prayers gave support and strength to everyone. Her life was a blessing for her family and the many friends she made over her life, even the new friends she made in the last few weeks of her life.  

Eleanor is survived by her children, Paul (Therese) Hesse, Janet (Don) Westphal, George (Deborah) Hesse, and Sara Bergendahl (Brian Hanson); her seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sister, Linda Williams; sister-in-law, Betty Hesse; other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; brother, Dr. Emil Bergendahl; and infant son, Peter Gahr Hesse.  

The family expresses its sincere appreciation to the staff of Heatherwood Assisted Living facility and St. Croix Hospice for the loving care they provided.