Elinor M. Ziemann

Elinor M. Ziemann, age 89, of Menomonie, died Thursday, July 5, 2007, at her home in Menomonie.

Elinor was born Oct. 11, 1917, in La Crosse, where she was raised. She was the only child of Elmer and Winnifred (Anderson) Warninger. She attended and graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1935. Elinor attended the National College of Education in Evanston, Ill., after high school. After college, she taught in Berlin and La Crosse.

Elinor married her high school sweetheart, Norman Ziemann, in 1944 in California during World War II. After marriage, they lived in California, where Norman was stationed in the Navy, Antigo and Superior, finally settling in Menomonie where they raised their two daughters and where they remained the rest of their lives.

Elinor was very active in the community, especially the Congregational Church, where she was part of the Women's Fellowship, taught Sunday School, and was superintendent of the primary department. In her 20-year commitment as cradle roll superintendent, she called on each baby in the congregation every three months, making two visits every week.

Elinor was also one of the original members of Coterie, the church women's book club. She has been a member of the Hospital Auxiliary and Woman's Club and delivered Meals-on-Wheels. In addition to several couples' bridge clubs, she belonged to three other bridge clubs. Elinor loved the many summers with her family and friends at her cottage in Hayward.

Elinor is survived by her two daughters, Diane (James) Hoffmeister of La Crosse and Barbara (Jon) Weisensel of Barron; five grandchildren, Karen (Jim) Christenson, Ryan (fiancee Meagan) Hoffmeister, Robyn (fiance Jack) Hoffmeister, Wesley (Dani) Rood and Dani (Gabe) Schauf; four great-grandsons, Sam and Jack Christenson and Max and Mason Rood; and other relatives and friends.

Elinor is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Norman in 1991.

Memorial services were Saturday, July 7, 2007, at the First Congregational Church in Menomonie with the Rev. Rob MacDougall officiating. Burial will be in the church's Memorial Garden at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to The Oaks Senior Apartments or the First Congregational Church.

Arrangements by Rhiel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Menomonie.