Eleanor Rose (Fritz) West, age 76, of Lester Prairie, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, surrounded by her family.
She was born May 30, 1938, in Hutchinson, the daughter of Albert and Clara (Schmidt) Fritz.
Eleanor graduated from the Hutchinson High School.
She was united in marriage to Harlow West Sept. 8, 1954, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.
Eleanor and Harlow made their home in Lester Prairie. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Connie, Mike, Linda, and Curtis. They shared over 51 years of marriage, until Harlow passed away in a motor vehicle accident July 8, 2006.
In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker, Eleanor provided day care to many children in Lester Prairie and the surrounding communities.
She was a member of the Minne Hi-Lo Camping Club.
Eleanor enjoyed fishing, gardening, landscaping her yard, camping, playing cards, golfing, going to casinos, attending concerts, shopping, and animals, especially her pets. She loved to visit with her neighbors and friends, and cherished the time spent with her family.
Eleanor is survived by her children: Connie Almquist and her husband, Craig, Mike West and his wife, Lori, all of Hutchinson, Linda Lynch of Columbia Heights, and Curtis West and his fiancée, Lori Locke, of Winsted; grandchildren Nicole Rannow and her husband, Jason, of Litchfield, Jim Almquist, Matt West. both of Hutchinson, Steve West and his wife, Caroline, of Minot, ND, and Holly West of Hutchinson; and great-grandchildren Netta Lopez, Carson West, Morgan Christensen, and Brody Rannow.
She is further survived by her siblings, Fred Fritz and his wife, Len, of Killeen, TX, and Emily Anderson and her husband, Ron, of Woodbridge, VA; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.
In addition to her husband, Harlow, Eleanor was preceded in death by her father, Albert Fritz; mother, Clara Studeman and stepfather, Martin Studeman; sister Mae Bethel and her husband, Chuck; brother Alfred Fritz; sister Edith Ellis and her husband, Edgar; and son-in-law Jerry Lynch.
Funeral services took place Monday, July 28 at 1 p.m. at Prairie Community Church in Lester Prairie, followed by interment at the Lester Prairie City Cemetery. Pastor William Baldwin officiated at the service; Alice Nowak was the organist. Soloist Chuck Thiel sang “Old Rugged Cross,” and “The Lord’s Prayer.” Congregational hymns were “Amazing Grace,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” and “Soon and Very Soon.”
Honorary casket bearers were William Markgraf, and Rodney Markgraf.
Casket bearers were Jim Almquist, Matt West, Steve West, Jason Rannow, Wes Haynes, and Mike Strei.
Arrangements were handled by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Lester Prairie. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com; click on Obituaries/Guest Book.
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