Eleanor Gebhart, 82, of Kiel, was welcomed into Eternal Life on Saturday, August 31, 2013, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Eleanor was born July 27, 1931, in New Holstein, daughter of the late Peter and Eleanor (Salm) Biese. She attended St. Martin's School and New Holstein High School. On November 23, 1949, Eleanor married Robert Gebhart at St. Martin's Church in Charlestown. Early in their marriage, Eleanor and Robert worked together on the Gebhart family farm in Charlesburg. They later moved to Kiel, where the couple lived the rest of their lives. Eleanor was a long-time member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kiel and the Christian Mothers. In recent years, Eleanor volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul. Eleanor was a loving wife, proud mother and grandmother and loyal friend. She was devoted to her faith and family and was happiest when planning and hosting family gatherings. Her favorite stories revolved around her family and those she loved. She was always looking forward to the next game of Sheepshead with friends and family. Eleanor will be greatly missed by her children: Diane Gebhart of La Crosse; David (Patty) Gebhart of La Crosse; Jeanne (Allen) Patriquin of Portland, Maine; and Lisa (Steve) Black of Edina, Minnesota; her grandchildren: Tracy (Joe) Schams, Robin (Nick) Lang, Travis Gebhart, Ashley Gebhart, David Patriquin (Fiancee Callie Otto), Sarah Patriquin, Charlie Black and Sam Black; her great-grandchild: Finley Schams. She is further survived by her brothers: Martin (Rogene) Biese, Kenneth (Betty) Biese, Clarence (Mary Jane) Biese and Floyd (Bernice) Biese; her sisters: Betty Hennings and Caroline (Clarence) Schneider; her sister-in-law: Ruth Biese. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years: Robert; her beloved daughter: Bonnie; her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Charles and Thelma (Strebe) Gebhart; her sister: Delores Veit; her brothers: Roman Biese and Richard Biese; her sisters-in-law: Kathleen Chapman, Mildred Curtis, Virginia Jodar and Delores Gebhart; her brothers-in-law: Gilbert Veit, Donald Hennings, Wallace Gebhart, Wayne Chapman, Alvin Emerich and Warren Jodar. A funeral Mass celebrating Eleanor's life will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, September 4, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kiel (413 Fremont St.) with Rev. Loren Nys S.D.S. and Pastoral Leader Joe Zenk officiating. Family and friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home in Kiel (1212 Teckla Place) on Tuesday, September 3, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm and again on Wednesday, September 4, from 9:00am to 10:30am. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated. Eleanor's family would like to thank everyone who cared for her on this journey, but especially the entire staff of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
Mom, your courage, faith, grace, and sense of humor in facing life's ups and downs have been an inspiration to all who knew you. You'll be with us always and forever. We love you.