Eleanor Viola Grabarski
Eleanor Viola Grabarski, age 92, of Grand Marsh passed away peacefully on Mothers’ Day, May 12, 2019. She was born October 4, 1926 to Lacy DeWitt and Viola (nee Kroenke) DeWitt Podoll. Eleanor married Arnold Grabarski on April 2, 1944. To this marriage was born three offspring, Sandra in 1946, William in 1948, and Robert in 1949.
Eleanor was an excellent farmwife, doing everything needed when required, including tractor work, milking, animal care, and making sure the milk equipment was clean and shining. She supplemented the farm income by caring for chickens and selling eggs. Somehow she found the energy to care for her family’s concerns and needs. She was an excellent cook, feeding threshing crews to large family functions, as well as being a substitute cook for the local grade school. Eleanor was quick to volunteer her time and talents when needed and served as General Leader of the New Chester Badgers 4-H club for several years. Her family was her priority, including not only her children and families, but also her siblings and families, including her husband’s family. She will be remembered for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Eleanor will also be remembered for her strong faith in the Lord.
Eleanor is survived by two of her three children, Sandra (Tim) Barthel, and Robert (Aletta) Grabarski; daughter of law, Cathy Grabarski; Eight grandchildren: Matthew (Lori) Barthel, Michael Barthel, Michelle (Walter) Moe, Kristin (Mark) Johnson, Daniel Grabarski, Rebecca Grabarski, Richard (Meagan) Grabarski, and Ronald (Sara) Grabarski. She is also survived by a sister, Doris Garlock and sister-in-law, Marion DeWitt, and brother-in-law: Durwin Smith.
She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, soon to be 11, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arnold, her son William, her sisters Lavira Steinhaus and Joyce Rihn, her brothers Bruce and Lacy DeWitt, along with her sisters-in-law Mavis DeWitt, Geraldine Smith, and Doris Grabarski and brothers-in-law: Casey Grabarski, Ken Steinhaus, Rolland Garlock, and Wayne Rihn. Also, two nephews and one niece preceded in death.
A funeral for Eleanor will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral at 11:00 a.m. with graveside services immediately following at the Easton Cemetery and a lunch following at the Grand Marsh Community Center. Eleanor’s family would like to thank Pastor Sheppard for his visits and kind words, Roseberry’s Funeral Home for their guidance and cooperation, as well as Villa Pines facility and staff during Eleanor’s brief residence.
My condolences during this difficult time. As I was growing up in the Grand Marsh area as a kid, it was always a normal part of any excursion to stop by and see Arnold and Eleanor before we made our way back to the Raschke Ranch. They were such good friends to my grandmother for so many years.
Again, my condolences to the Grabarski family.
Sorry for your loss, your mom was an incredible lady. Always willing and caring towards others. God Bless, she will be missed
To Sandy & Tim, Bob & Aleta, Cathy
and your entire family
I’m sorry that your time with your mother here on earth is now up. It is time for her to be with Arnold, my dad, so many others who have gone before and our Father now. Youll be sad for a while, but she’ll be so happy.
I’ll remember her as witty, giving, funny, generous & genuine. Her gifts live on in you.
Sandra, Robert, Cathy and family, so sorry to hear of your families loss.
Our sympathy to the families.
It was my pleasure to visit Eleanor from time to time to learn more about the family at large during the critical first work on ancestry research. She was always gracious, sharp, informed, and full of life. She was married to one of my first cousins on my father’s side of the family, and a precious link to my father’s immediate relatives. My wife and I feel a great void now, and we send our love to all of Eleanor’s family and friends. God Bless Eleanor, forever.
Sorry to hear about your mother. She was a good woman and will be missed.
Bob & Aletta & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for strength and comfort.
Sandy and Bob and all of your families, my condolences. My goodness the times we had as kids at your folks farm, Casey and Doris or on the Roller farm. We were all just a bunch of farm kids that each Mom was everyone’s Mom. I’d like to believe that Arnold and Eleanor, Casey and Doris and Bob and Alice are “whooping” it up all together now and they can all say – we did pretty good with all our children – they will carry on just fine. Heaven is brighter now.
So sorry to hear about your mom. May your faith bring you peace. Our sincere condolences.
So sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss!! I enjoyed visiting with her when I would get hay from them years ago
My deepest sympathy to all of you!!! She was such a sweet lady!!!,
Thinking of you. Thoughts and prayers for all of you!!! Deepest sympathies Bob and Aletta!!
Dear Bob and Arletta I extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May the days that follow you find comfort in your greatest memories.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Eleanor. Our condolences to the Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grabarski family during this time of sorrow!
Bob & Aletta, and Grabarski family, so sorry for your loss. But how wonderful it was for you all to have this woman in you lives for so long. Many of us aren’t fortunate enough to have a mother or father so long into our adult live. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
This was the kindest most beautiful woman. My sympathy to her entire family who will surely miss her. But oh my she leaves such a wonderful legacy here on earth. I can see her, Arnold and Bill catching up on family news together again.
What a super lady always had time to chat with me, God bless and remember the memories.
Sorry for your loss. You good memories flow over you during this difficult time!
Heaven received a Angel in Eleanor. She was a great lady. I’m so very sorry on your loss. May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time
We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers ? for comfort during this difficult time.
Eleanor was a most important person in so many lives, as the obit says, to all the extended families. I recall many stories of Arnold and Eleanor, Casey and Doris and my folks, Bob & Alice Roller, attending the dance at Patrick’s Lake. When I was born, I was named after Eleanor. What a legacy to live up to. Blessings to everyone, what a beautiful shinning star.
I’ve known Eleanor since I was a kid, when my parents used to buy eggs from her. Then I became her Avon lady back in the late 80’s through the 90’s. Always got a warm welcome from her when I came for a visit. My condolences go out to her family.
Aletta and Bob, she was a wonderful woman. I wish I could have taken care of her more than what I got to. She will be missed. I’m sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your family’s loss. She was an amazing woman and will be missed immensely. May all of the memories of her beautiful life comfort you all.
So sorry for the family’s loss