Eleanor Nyland

Eleanor Mae Nyland was born on December 21, 1929 in Dawson, MN to Anna and Robert Lideen. Her father passed away before Eleanor was born so she lived with her grandparents while her mom worked in a neighboring town, until the age of six when her mom, Anna remarried. One sister and two brothers were born to that marriage. Eleanor graduated from Wood Lake High School and was there until she was united in marriage to Olaf (Ole) Nyland on October 19, 1947 in Wood Lake. They lived in various towns in Minnesota and North Dakota over the years, raising a son and daughter in Southwest Minnesota. Eleanor held various secretarial jobs, with her last position being in the Children?s Department at Dayton?s in Fargo, ND. She loved sending her 2 grandchildren a fun assortment of clothes and special surprises throughout the years she worked there. She was an avid reader and loved country music. Over the years Eleanor and Ole enjoyed camping and fishing while spending time with their grandchildren and family gatherings. She loved her pets, having many dogs and cats over the years. She loved to cut out cartoons and jokes to share with others (especially her son-in-law). Eleanor will be remembered for her sense of humor and Norwegian characteristics. Since moving to Alexandria in 1994, Eleanor has enjoyed retirement. Eleanor died on December 9, 2011 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria at the age of 81. She is survived by her husband, Olaf Nyland of Alexandria; son, Gary Nyland of Alexandria; daughter, Sandy (Wayne) Holck of Alexandria; grandchildren, Jenn Holck and Jeremy (Kathleen Beterams) Holck; great-grandchildren, Clara and Alex Waibel; brother, Allen Burmaster of Vancouver, WA; and several nieces and nephews. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Anna; step-fathers, Walter Burmaster and Dick Kohlhof; sister, Darlene Grong; and brother, Dennis Burmaster. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria with Reverend Jim Oakland officiating. Music was provided by soloist, Andrea Olson and organist, Diane Alveshere. Interment was in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Wes Bjurlin, Barry Ronning, Jeremy Holck, Ardelle Benson, Curtis Severeson, Wayne Holck. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.