Eleanor Frances Johnson
(August 27, 1926 - June 23, 2007)
 

Eleanor Frances Johnson, age 80, of 502 Cedar Street, Munising died accidentally at her home on Saturday evening, June 23, 2007. She was born on August 27, 1926 in Munising to Jacob and Anna (Joel) Johnson. Eleanor attended school in Munising and graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School. She began employment at the Munising Paper Company as a stenographer on July 6, 1944. Eleanor worked through different departments as a clerk until she was promoted to Head Stenographer in 1954 and then the Mill Manager’s Secretary in 1959. On September 20, 1976, she was once again promoted to the Human Resources Specialist which was the job she held at the time of her retirement on December 31, 1988 after dedicating 44 years of service to Kimberly Clark’s Munising Mill.

To just say Eleanor was an active member of the Eden Lutheran Church would be a huge understatement. Eleanor loved her Lord and her Church. She taught Sunday school for many years, headed up and worked funeral luncheon committees for years, was active with the church Circles, was a faithful member of the nursing home ministries, and could be found wherever and whenever any volunteer work was needed. Eleanor worked with the Alger Literacy Council and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, Credit Union Board, and a supporter of the Alger County Historical Society. She enjoyed baking, visiting with family, working crossword puzzles, and was an avid and faithful Munising Mustang fan. She spent her Saturday evenings enjoying the company and music of friends at the Falling Rock Café.

Although Eleanor never married, she was surrounded by family. She helped Ray McNally raise his children after the death of her sister at a young age and helped her parents as they aged. Eleanor was a rock in her family, church, and her community. She was a humble woman. Her life and the way she lived it affected more people than El would ever know or like to admit. Those that knew Eleanor loved Eleanor. El was a giving and loving Christian woman and when you were with Eleanor, you were a better person because of her. She will truly be missed.

El is survived by her brother – Howard (Christian) Johnson of Vestavia Hills, AL; sister – Shirley (Walter) Lopez of Ostego, MI; nieces and nephews – Dan (Donna) McNally of Mapleville, RI, Holly McNally of Portage, MI, Steve (Pattye) McNally of Chattanooga, TN, Beth (Rick) Graves of Spring Grove, IL, Heather (Brian) Land-Tielking of Vestavia Hills, AL, Joy (Rob) Martin of Birmingham, AL, Julie (Rob) Bunday of Delton, MI, and Chis (Alan) Mabie of Plainwell, MI; great nieces and nephews – Brittany, Baillie, Taylor, Jay, Anna, Dylan, Ryan, Kelsey, Kristopher, Ellie, Jordan, Connor, McKenzie, Nealy, Dyer, Lindsey, Lily, Cole, and Amber; great-great niece – Autum; brothers-in-law – Raymond (Donna) McNally of Munising and Phil (Phyllis) Wineland of Plainwell, MI. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents Jake and Anna and her sisters Ruth McNally and Jean Wineland.

A memorial service celebrating Eleanor’s life will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Lynn Hubbard on Monday, July 2, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Eden Lutheran Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising. Memorials in memory of Eleanor may be directed to the Eden Lutheran Church.

Submitted by Char Livermore