Ellen Eloise Gunselman

Eloise was born April 10, 1926, to Clifford and Oma (Brown) Walters in Spencer County, Indiana. She grew up in southern Indiana, graduating from Gentryville High School in 1945. After marrying Joseph Gunselman in Huntingburg, Ind., on Feb. 18, 1947, they moved to Homer to begin their lives together.

Eloise was a stay-at-home mom when their daughter Elaine was young, and then worked in the sewing department of Collegiate Cap and Gown for many years. After retiring, Eloise volunteered in the community, logging many hours at Provena Hospital as well as with the Peace Meal program.

She was also an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Homer. In 2010, she moved to Upper Michigan to be close to her family and then became a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford.

Eloise loved to cook and bake, knit and crochet, make quilts as well as sew. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards, tending her garden in the summer, and visiting with her many friends. Although all of these things were important to her, her greatest love was for her family.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and David Wagner of Iron Mountain; grandchildren, Nicole (Eli) Ward of Iron Mountain, Amy (Jeremy) Rodriguez of Iron Mountain, and Patrick Wagner of Ishpeming; great-grandchildren Abby and Layla Ward, Brayden, Evan, Juliana and Marina Rodriguez, and Dorian and Nora Wagner; her sister, Ruth (Rod) Butler; and sister-in-law, Sister Betty Gunselman. She is also survived by a very special friend who is considered a member of the family, LeAnn (Chuck) Benner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, on Nov. 18, 1990; brothers and sisters-in-law Castle and Marcella Walters, Arnold and Viola Walters, Daniel and Kathleen Walters; and brother-in-law Gerald Jones.

The family would like to thank Evergreen Assisted Living and Maryhill Manor Nursing Home for the extraordinary care given to Eloise during the last years of her life. They will always be remembered for their loving care.

Visitation will be at Kirby Funeral Home in Homer, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on Saturday, May 8.

Burial will take place at GAR Cemetery in Homer. If you should wish to make a memorial donation in Eloise’s name, the family suggests St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church; St. Mary Queen of Peach Church; or a charity of your choice.

The family has chosen the Kirby Funeral Home of Homer to be in charge of arrangements.