Eleanor Gulbranson

Eleanor Ida Jacobson was born April 5, 1919 in Evansville, Minnesota, the daughter of Martin and Vida (Pederson) Jacobson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Her grandparents were a pioneer Otter Tail County family and their farmstead was located near Inspiration Peak, which to this day is still owned by the Jacobson family. Eleanor, at age thirteen, moved with her family to Alexandria where she attended school through high school. On June 19, 1943, Eleanor married Leonard Johnson of Lowry at the Lutheran parsonage. The couple farmed near Lowry until Leonard?s death in December, 1964. Eleanor then returned to Alexandria and began working at Don Krueger?s Rexall Drug. On September 23, 1966, Eleanor married Milo Gulbranson in Holmes City. Milo died in August, 1971. Eleanor lived on a farm south of Garfield with Betty, her stepdaughter, for one year before making her home in Alexandria. After twenty years at Rexall Drug, Eleanor retired. In 1987, Eleanor moved to Bethel Manor where she enjoyed doing volunteer work and playing cards and bingo. She was a strong woman with a pioneering spirit. Eleanor was a solid Democrat. She always kept abreast of current affairs and politics and enjoyed discussing the news with others. Eleanor always said what she meant and meant what she said. Eleanor also enjoyed cats very much. Eleanor was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church for many years. On Sunday, March 2, 2008, Eleanor died at the age of eighty-eight years. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Leonard Johnson and Milo Gulbranson; and four sisters, Gladys, Ruby, Ethel and Evelyn. Eleanor is survived by her two step-children, Maynard Gulbranson of Alexandria and Betty White of Wadena; six grandchildren, Brent, Steve, Debbie, Chad, Jessica and Valarie; six great-grandchildren, Brianna, Kayla, Jordan, Aidan, Connor, and Dena; one son-in-law, Clayton White; one daughter-in-law, Ruth Navratil; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Marilee Bergerson will officiate. Karen Gladen and Mark Graf will provide music. Interment will follow in the Trysil Cemetery south of Holmes City. Casket bearers include Joe Marshall, Brent Gulbranson, Marlin Peterman, Steve Gulbranson, Chad Gulbranson and Dale Peterman. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Tuesday with a time of sharing at 7:30 PM at Anderson Funeral Home. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.