October 6, 2015

Eleanor Wehrung

Eleanor Wehrung, 91, of Bismarck, N.D., died Sept. 28, 2015, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, N.D.
Eleanor Wehrung was born May 25, 1924, in Charlson, N.D., to Bert L. and Bertie (Brown) Purdy.
She lived with her family for a few years in Sanish, N.D., where her only sibling, her sister, Corrine, was born.
When Eleanor was 10 years old, the family moved to Watford City where she attended school, graduating in 1942. After high school she attended Minot State Teachers College for two years, earning her teacher’s certificate.  
On April 4, 1944, she married the love of her life, Lester Wehrung, in Oklahoma City, Okla., where Lester was stationed at the time.  
While Lester was overseas during WWII, Eleanor taught school in Portal, N.D. When Lester returned from the service, they settled in Watford City, next door to her parents, and began raising their family of three daughters.
When their youngest daughter started school, Eleanor went back to work outside the home working in various offices at the McKenzie County Courthouse.
Music played a huge role in Eleanor’s life from the time she was a child. She started playing the piano and taking lessons when she was eight years old and began playing for the church during the summers while in college. She went on to serve First Presbyterian in Watford City as volunteer pianist/organist for over 60 years – playing for Sunday services, as well as programs, weddings, funerals and other special occasions.  
In addition to her music ministry, she served in many other areas of church life, including ladies aid, Bible studies and prayer groups. Her music ministry extended to the Good Shepherd Home where she volunteered to play for Chapel services for many years. Eleanor also enjoyed accompanying the Senior Citizens Choir for over 20 years.
Eleanor was also well-known in the community for her love of cards.  Bridge, pinochle, whist and many other card and board games – she loved them all and the socializing that went with playing the games. She was a very sharp player and also very kind and encouraging to others.   
In May, 2014, Eleanor moved to Touchmark, an assisted living community in Bismarck, where she enjoyed her apartment and all the organized activities that they offered, especially cards.  
Eleanor is survived by her 3 daughters; Marlys Sydor, Bismarck, N.D., Linda Chale and her husband, Roger, of Mesquite, Nev., and Lora Jane Wehrung of West Fargo, N.D.; two granddaughters, Michelle Oester and her husband, Steve, of Arvada, Colo., and Teresa Tulloch of Nampa, Idaho; two great granddaughters, Nicole and Rachel Oester of Arvada, Colo., and great-grandson, Connor Tulloch of Nampa, Idaho; brother-in-law, John Groll, of Turlock, Calif.; brother-in-law, Norman Wehrung, and his wife, Norma, of Getzville, N.Y.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding her in death were her parents and sister; her beloved husband, Lester; son-in-law, Hank Sydor; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Her funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church in Watford City, N.D. Pastor Dan Paulson officiated.
Friends called at the First Presbyterian Church in Watford City on Saturday, Oct, 3, 2015 from 12 p.m until 2 p.m. Burial was at the Schafer Cemetery in Watford City, N.D.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER