Eleanor Both, 79, passed away in Wheaton Franciscan Hospital-All Saints on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, with her family at her side. She was born in Milwaukee on March 10, 1933, the daughter of the late John H. and Eleanor (nee: Oleniczak) Reimer.
Eleanor graduated from Bayview High School. She was united in marriage to Melvin L. Both on July 7, 1951. He preceded her in death on June 30, 2002. During her life she was a secretary, assistant service writer, retail service clerk, teller at Dairyland Park, and driver for the Metro Auto Auction. In the 1970’s her husband, Mel, supported her automotive interests by getting her started in her own business, Blue Ribbon Auto Body. She was an accomplished trap and skeet shooter. Eleanor and Mel enjoyed attending antique auctions. She enjoyed taking the family to watch her two brothers’ race modified stack cars in the 60’s and 70’s. She and her son, M.J., would go to the Vintage Modified Stock Car Show every summer.
When her husband joined Salmon Unlimited and got his first boat; she became his trusty first mate.
She took an active role in Salmon Unlimited; serving as editor of Fish On, helped co-chair the membership committee, organized their kick off events, worked the food tent for Salmon-A-Rama, and scored the applications for scholarships from UW-Steven Point Fisheries Program. She was always ready for any spirited discussion on politics. She was a passionate pet owner and left behind her Scottish terrier, Miss Jenny and her cat Muffy. She was always happy to drop everything to help out her family.
Surviving are her children, M.J. (Terri) Both, and Mary Lee Both-Hetland, all of Racine; grandchildren, Joshua (Tracy) Hetland, Aaron Both, and Kevin Both; great granddaughter, Elaina “Ellie” Lynn Hetland; brothers, John (Fern) Reimer, and Joel (Karen) Reimer, and her last surviving cousin, Garry Reimer. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation in the funeral home on Tuesday, May 8thfrom 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A private entombment will take place on Wednesday, May 9thin Arlington Park Cemetery, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Salmon Unlimited Scholarship Fund.
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