Eleanor Dierkhissing

Eleanor R. Dierkhissing, age 101 of Freeport, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, October 14, 2016 at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m. Thursday, October 20 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating and Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating. Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in New Munich.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church in Freeport.

Eleanor Rose Dierkhissing was born June 2, 1915 in Melrose Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Joseph and Gertrude (Schwieters) Herzog. She was united in marriage to Norbert Dierkhissing on October 6, 1936 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose. Eleanor lived in New Munich until moving to Freeport in 1959. She cooked at the Melrose Hospital for 27 years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Christian Mothers, and the Goldenaires Senior Citizens. Eleanor enjoyed cooking, baking, playing cards, and going to the casino.

Survivors include her daughter, Marilyn (Pete) Heidgerken of Freeport; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandsons.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert Dierkhissing on April 13, 1961; parents; grandson, Steven Heidgerken; brothers and sisters, Agnes Hiltner, Alfred Herzog, Alois Herzog, Bertha Dickhaus, Elizabeth Hallermann, Angeline Wessel, Mayme Dickhaus, Zitta Moening, Alvina Moening, and Irene Viere.

Serving as casket bearers will be Sue Rieland, Ann Rolfes, Mark Heidgerken, Kay Sawyer, Gary Heidgerken, and David Heidgerken. Cross bearer will be Kim Swanson and scripture bearer will be Jake Swanson. Rose bearer will be Maddie Heidgerken and Mass server will be Mason Heidgerken. Lector will be Ron Rieland and reading petitions will be Gavin Sawyer, Hunter Heidgerken, and Makenna Heidgerken. Serving as gift bearers will be Mathew Rolfes, Brandon Sawyer, and Jeremy Rieland.