Eleanor B. Kussmann, age 102, of Oshkosh, died Tuesday morning, March 5, 2013, at her home. Born on October 5, 1910, in the Township of Nekimi, to Albert and Henrietta (Dahlke) Eulrich, and at the age of nine, her parents moved to Clintonville, Wisconsin, where Eleanor grew up. On October 5, 1932, Eleanor married Emmanuel “Monty” Kussmann. When Eleanor’s sister died, one of her children, Earlin, came to live with her and Monty and was later adopted by them. In 1941 Eleanor and Monty returned to Oshkosh where Monty preceded Eleanor in death on January 8, 1969.
Employed by Oshkosh Trunk and Luggage Company and later by Badger Lumber Company, Eleanor retired in 1977. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church since 1941.
Many heirloom doilies and Afghans were crocheted by Eleanor for her son, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, grand nieces, and friends. She also did some beautiful needlepoint and ceramic pieces. Her last doily was done at age 95, which is framed, and hangs in her home. She was known for her potato salad, Cole slaw, and homemade baked beans, which she made for special occasions. Spending time with her large family, bowling, and bingo were favorite activities for Eleanor. A highlight after retirement was a bus trip to the east coast with many of her bingo playing friends. Also several trips to Las Vegas help to keep Eleanor “feeling young”.
Her 100th birthday was celebrated in October 2010 with church services, reception, followed by a party luncheon attended by 97 relatives from as far away as Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Michigan, as well as Wisconsin. There was a picture of five generations of Kussmanns in the Northwestern, the oldest being Eleanor, at age 98, and the youngest, Chloe’, as a newborn. The five generations being Eleanor, son Earlin, grandson Mark, great-granddaughter Heather, and great-great-granddaughter Chloe’.
Left to mourn Eleanor’s passing is her son, Earlin (Mildred) Kussmann; five grandchildren, Kenneth (Karen) Kussmann, Christy Shrock, Phillip (Lynn) Kussmann, Daniel (Mary) Kussmann, and Mark (Rene’) Kussmann; ten great-grandchildren, Kelly (Brian), Sara (Curtis), Christa (Jason), Elizabeth, Ross (Melissa), Brennan (Kalynn), Will, Heather, James(Daisey), and Kyle (Beth); three great-great-grandchildren, Chloe’, Aiden, and Liam. Eleanor is also survived by a brother, Harold Eulrich of Arkansas and many other beloved nieces and nephews. Preceding Eleanor in death is her husband, Monty, her parents, Albert and Henrietta Eulrich, a sister, Evelyn Ahrens, two brothers, Warren and Loyal Eulrich, and a grandson-in-law, Vince Shrock.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. in First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota Street, with Reverend Timothy Greenwald and Reverend Martin Ruge officiating. A time of visiting and sharing of memories will be held on Saturday from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place at Lake View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in Eleanor’s memory.
The family would like to thank the Network Visiting Nurses, the hospice nurses, nurse’s aides, and Preferred Home Care, for their caring assistance the last nine months.

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