Eleanor Mae Toutges

Eleanor Mae Toutges, age 97, of Willmar, passed away Saturday, July 9, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, at the Church of St. Mary.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be in the church cemetery at a later date.  Eleanor’s body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program for medical education. Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Eleanor was born on March 26, 1925, in Thompson, Iowa, the daughter of Melvin and Alice (Stewart) Koestler.  She grew up and received her education in Kerkhoven.  On December 29, 1943, in Murdock, Minnesota, Eleanor was married to Vincent Toutges.  They lived in the communities of Willmar, DeGraff, Gluek and Lake Lillian before returning to Willmar in 1975.  She was employed for many years as the Activities Director at the Willmar State Hospital.  She was a member of the Church of St. Mary and was active with the Daughters of Isabella.  She enjoyed playing scrabble, puzzles, square dancing, riding bicycle, swimming, reading, gardening and bird watching.  She also enjoyed typing letters to her family and friends for all occasions.

She is survived by seven children, Robert Toutges (and special friend, Sandi Larson) of Moorhead, Ronald (and Patricia) Toutges of Clarksville, TN., Mary Wilson of Plymouth, Daniel (and Vivian) Toutges of Willmar, Anna Toutges (and special friend, Felice Tempo) of Hopkins, Corine (and Steve) Klaseus of Chaska and Greg (and Julie) Toutges of Mukwonago, WI.; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, besides other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vincent; one son, Arthur; two daughters, Donna and Norma and one granddaughter, Danielle.