Eleanor Edith (Harre) Natzke, 91, passed on with her family at her side on Sunday, October 9, 2016. Eleanor was born February 15, 1925 in Villa Iris, Argentina, where her father was a Lutheran pastor. Her parents were the Reverend Paul Harre and Clara (Erck) Harre. She moved with her parents from Argentina to New Salem, ND in the early 1930’s where she attended grade school. In 1938, they moved to New Minden, IL.
In 1943, Eleanor graduated from Nashville High School in Nashville, IL after which she attended business school in St. Louis, MO.
On June 5, 1948, Eleanor and Norman Natzke of Merrill, WI were married in St. Louis, MO. They lived in North Dakota for 8 years, Brighton, CO for 12 years and Montrose, CO for 38 years. In the summer of 2006 they moved to Merrill, WI to be closer to family.
In Montrose, Eleanor became the secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. She worked in that position for 21 years, working for 6 different superintendents. She retired from that position in 1989.
Eleanor was very active in the Lutheran Church. Her love of music led her to sing in the choir and often to be the organist, as well as clerical and charitable endeavors. In Montrose, she used her singing talents to become a charter member of a Sweet Adeline chorus and also sang in a quartet. After moving to Merrill, she became a member of the Red Hat Society as well as a volunteer at the local hospital and Bethesda Thrift Store. She was also active in Dorcus Society at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Eleanor and Norman were blessed with three children. Andrew Natzke of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Kathryn Natzke of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Kristan Trounce of Lino Lakes, MN.
Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Esther Harre and also by her granddaughter, Jessi Trounce. She is survived by her husband, Norman: her brother, H. James Harre; her children, Andrew Natzke, Kathryn Natzke, Kristan (Natzke) Trounce (Timothy Trounce), her granddaughter Megan (Trounce) Hartley (Kyle Hartley) and two great grandchildren, Liam and Rowan.
Eleanor was a very social, caring and loving person who loved to travel and spend time with her family. She was always upbeat and ready for the next adventure. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The Visitation for Eleanor will be at Waid Funeral Home, Merrill, WI on October 16 from 4-6 pm. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. A private committal service at Merrill Memorial Park for the family will precede the Memorial Service. The Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Merrill on Monday, October 17 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Aspirus Hospice, Trinity Lutheran Church Food Bank or a charity of choice. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.