Eleanor Bambenek

Eleanor Bambenek, 103, of Winona died after a long and full life on July 22, 2022 at her home.

Ruth Eleanor Bambenek was born on October 27, 1918, to Inga (Benson) and Rudolph Betz in Fillmore County, MN. She had three sisters, Rose Ruth “Tootsie,” Dorothy and Joyce.

She married Daniel Bambenek Sr. on June 4, 1938, in Winona. They had four children, Susan Bambenek, Marilyn Bambenek, Daniel Bambenek Jr. and Lori O’Brien (Tim). Her life was further blessed with nine grandchildren, Kimberly Haedtke (Ron), Tammie Glenna (Wes), David Blanchard, Kelly Wind, Jamie Nogosek, Jeffrey Davidshofer, Aaron Davidshofer, Kateeri O’Brien and Mara O’Brien; 21 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren.

She worked at Sears Roebuck in Winona and McDonald’s (one of the first women ever hired). She was a homemaker and was a proud wife of her husband, who was very busy in the local political scene of Winona at the time. She loved to read Western novels, playing cards with her friends, knitting baby booties for all her grands and others and crocheting. Her earlier years included the almost now lost talent of tatting!

She was a member of Central Lutheran Church of Winona. Her husband, Dan, died in 1983 and she continued to live with her son, Daniel, until her peaceful passing on July 22.

Preceding her in death besides her husband were her parents, Rudy and Inga Betz, and sisters Dorothy and Rose Ruth “Tootsie.”

A funeral service for Eleanor will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 29, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center at 3480 Service Drive in Goodview, MN. Visitation will be from 10 until 11:30am at the funeral home. Eleanor will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona. A donation in the memory of Eleanor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In memory of Eleanor, guests attending the services are encouraged to wear something blue.

Online condolences can be made at www.hofffuneral.com.