Laura Windau

1933 - 2024

COLUMBUS GROVE -- Laura E. "Eloise" Windau, age 91, of Columbus Grove, passed away on September 28, 2024. Eloise was born February 2, 1933, to Clarence and Lenora (Thomas) Martz. On September 8, 1951, she married Clayton John Windau Jr., who passed away on October 1, 1970.

Eloise attended Columbus Grove High School and was a cafeteria worker at the school from the 1970's thru the 1990's. Recently the school and a lot of her school "kids" honored her for her years of service with a copy of the 1951 school yearbook and an interview. Widowed at age 37 she raised her six children. What an example of great strength and determination! She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and its Altar Rosary Society. Eloise had many jobs including managing the VFW of which she was a member, working at Kohls Market and at Weatherseal in Ottawa. Eloise was a huge Ohio State fan and loved her football Saturday spent with all of her family. She also hosted family camping weekends in her backyard with fun for all ages. She was the best Mom and Grandma to all of her "kids".

Eloise is survived by her six children Deborah Pingle, Diane Windau, Dean (Christine) Windau, Janice (Steve) Carpenter, Annette (Daniel) May, and Mark Windau; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren plus one on the way; and one great-great grandchild.

Eloise was preceded in death by her three brothers Eugene Martz, Louis Martz and Glenn Martz.

Friends may call on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home in Columbus Grove from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Hartman Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 11:00 am with Fr. David Ritchie presiding. Burial will follow in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Ottawa, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, or the American Heart Association.