December 10, 2024 – West Bend, WI – Eleanore A. Peters, 97, of West Bend, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her side.
Eleanore’s story is a tapestry of love, resilience, and joy. Born on May 22, 1927, in St. Lawrence, Wisconsin, to the late Nicholas and Kathryn (nee Wolf) Strupp.
On February 11, 1956, she married Vernon Leo Peters at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend, and together they raised eight children. Her children honored her annually with the “Mother of the Year” award, a testament to her unwavering dedication and love. Eleanore felt blessed that all of her children remained close and visited often.
She always found a positive side to any negative situation she encountered and would tell her family to pick out the good things. She lived by the motto “eat dessert first!” Apple kuchen and lemon bars were her specialty. She would whip up the best casseroles, often saying they are made with a little bit of everything, calling it “schlumgooey.”
During wartime, Eleanore contributed to the Gehl Company, later working at the phone company, Amity Leather, and finally Post Printing. After Vernon’s passing on May 7, 1980, she embraced the dual roles of mother and father, with her eldest son Gregory by her side.
Eleanore’s faith was her cornerstone, and she cherished her family deeply, praying the rosary daily. She found solace in nature, delighting in bird watching and tending to her flower gardens, where her sunflowers stood tall and magnificent. Camping and outdoor adventures were among her favorite pastimes, but above all, she treasured moments spent with her family.
Her home was a haven of warmth and hospitality, where she cooked grand meals and welcomed all who entered. Holidays were celebrated at her home, a central gathering place filled with laughter and love. Known for her wit and sense of humor, Eleanore’s radiant smile and infectious laughter never wavered, even in tough times.
Polka dancing with Vernon and teaching her children and grandchildren to dance brought her immense joy. She played the stumpfiddle “the boom boom stick”, often exclaiming “yaaaa-hoooo!” while singing, and also mastered the guitar and accordion. Eleanore’s legacy is one of boundless love, faith, and an enduring spirit that touched everyone she met.
For the last five and a half years, Eleanore defied all expectations with her remarkable will to live. In June 2019, doctors predicted she had only 12 hours to two days left, but she proved them wrong, extending her life by five and a half years. With the help of all of her children, she was able to remain in the comfort of her home. Throughout this time, she faced every challenge with grace and never uttered a single complaint.
Those Eleanore leaves behind to cherish her memory include eight children, Gregory Peters, David (Jeanie) Peters, Mark Peters, Christine (Robert) Karnitz, John (Sherry) Peters, Joseph Peters, Carol Peters, and Mary (David) Espitia; 20 grandchildren, Mary (Joseph) Biber, Stephanie Peters, Nikita (Dustin) Ronk, Nicholas Peters (Sarah Vander Linden), Katie Peters (Brian Nowak), Vicky Peters, Cody Peters (Courtney Neuy), Jeremy Peters, Kristy Peters, Brandon Spaeth (fiancé, Nichole Merkt), Mitchell Peters, Mason Peters, Grace Peters, Dalton Espitia, Brooke Espitia (fiancé, Tate Tranel), Josephine (Joseph) Lasher, Janina (Aaron) Jensen, Aaron (Kari) Karnitz, Andrea (Tom) Fuller, and Alan (Sara) Karnitz; 19 great-grandchildren, Bentlee, Brystal, Briella, Madison, Emma, Zoe, Brett, Faith, Aiden, Madeline, Stephan, Stacy, Reilley, Jaxon, Grayson, Genevieve, Axel, Hunter, and Hallie; honorary children, Richard Meidl and Sarah (Kevin) Morley; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Alan and Rita Peters, Loretta Justman, Marietta Guenther, Bethana Peters, Beatrice (Bob) Boldt, Cynthia Peters, Christine Peters, and Jean Beimborn; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Eleanore was preceded in death by her sister, Lucille (Robert) Albinger; her brothers, Herbert (Evelyn) Strupp and Edward (Leatrice) Strupp; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald Peters, Leon Peters, Ralph Peters, Linus Peters, Richard Guenther, Glen (Donna) Becker, and Henry Justman; niece and nephews, Danny and Leah Peters.
VISITATION: Eleanore’s family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. 8th Avenue, in West Bend, on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
SERVICE: A Mass of Christian Burial for Eleanore will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 13 at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend. Rev. Howard Haase will officiate, and burial will follow at Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Marsha Hansen for all the love and compassion she provided to Eleanore and her family over the years and to Preceptor Hospice. The family would also extend a deep appreciation to Carol, Joe, Mary, and John for all the great care, compassion, and dedication to her care over the last five and a half years.
The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Eleanore’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com
