Eleanor M. (Gustafson) Monson was born on June 7, 1913, to parents, Eddie and Anna (Stokke) Gustafson in rural Big Stone County. As a young girl she attended country school and graduated from Ortonville High School. Following school, Eleanor began working for Sager Grocery for many years, and later worked as a night operator with Northwestern Bell Telephone until she retired.
On October 21, 1967, Eleanor married Murl Monson in Ortonville, MN. The couple made their home in Ortonville for many years. Family was very important to Eleanor and she cherished time spent with family and friends. Eleanor also loved her church in which she was baptized and confirmed, the Zion Lutheran Church, where she helped her husband Murl with the janitorial duties for more than 25 years. In her spare time, Eleanor enjoyed growing a garden with Murl and they enjoyed taking family out to see all the things they had produced. Eleanor also enjoyed canning and baking. She will be truly missed.
Eleanor passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2006, at the Luther Havan Nursing Home in Montevideo, MN, reaching the age of 92 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Anna; husband, Murl; half-sister, Della Stotesbery; and brother, Kenneth Gustafson.
Eleanor is survived by two step sons, Ronald Monson of Brooklyn Park, MN; and Roger Monson of Appleton, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.