Eleanor Smaaladen

Eleanor Smaaladen, age 78, of Aneta, ND went home to be with Jesus while under Hospice care at Aneta Parkview Health Center on September 26, 2014 after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Eleanor Arlene Frandsen was born February 24, 1936 in Bisbee, ND. She grew up in Michigan, ND with her parents Nels G. and Olga C. Frandsen. As a high school student she was involved in the glee club and school newspaper. She graduated from Michigan High School in 1955. While living in Michigan, she cleaned houses, worked at the Michigan Hospital , The Kite Café, and the Johnson Store.

On May 27, 1956 she married Donald R. Smaaladen in Michigan, ND. They made their home in Ora Township of rural Aneta, ND. For 41 years they farmed and operated a large dairy farm. They raised four children on the farm: Terry, Terinne, Steven and Clay. In 2004 they moved into Aneta where Eleanor began working at the Parkview Health Center where she enjoyed her time with the staff and residents. She looked forward to regular outings with friends for coffee at the Aneta Café, weekly card games and her annual trip to Chaska , MN to spend time with long-time friends.

Eleanor was known for her hospitality to family and friends. She cared for and loved the people around her. She was known for her wonderful cooking and baking including family favorites of lefsa, rommegrot, pancakes, potato dumplings, and caramel rolls. Some of her other interests included sewing, gardening, and embroidery.

Eleanor was a humble, godly example to her family and community. She had a quiet, confident faith in Jesus Christ. She was a loving, faithful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She made family holidays very special. She loved her family and enjoyed the laughter and times of being together.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love, along with her husband, Donald; Children: Terry (Wes) Erickson of Hunter, ND; Terinne (Al) Berg of Fargo, ND; Steven (Marsha) Smaaladen of Aneta, ND; and Clay (Jeanna) Smaaladen of Grand Forks, ND; Grandchildren: Seth Erickson, Marshall Erickson, Hope Erickson, Wyatt Erickson, Kyle (Meredee) Berg, Paul (Leah) Berg, Jessica (Kris) Larson, Christopher (Katrina) Smaaladen, Justin Smaaladen, Zachary Smaaladen and Zane Smaaladen; Great Grandchildren: Sutton Larson, Grayson Larson and Vivian Berg.

She was preceded in death by her parents Nels and Olga Frandsen, and grandson Harvest Erickson.

A Celebration of Life Prayer Service will be held Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 7 p.m. at Sundahl Lutheran Church, Aneta, ND with visitation beginning at 5 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Monday, September 29, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Sundahl Lutheran Church, Aneta, ND. Interment will be in the Silent Hill Cemetery, Aneta, ND.

Memorials may be directed to Aneta Parkview Health Center or Hospice of the Red River Valley.