Eleanora Nicolai

Eleanora Tilda Nicolai was born the youngest of 8 children, on June 1, 1921 at home in Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota the daughter of Olai and Helena (Christopherson) Stokke. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, Minnesota. As a young woman, Eleanora had many interesting jobs. She traveled to Seattle and became what is known as ?Rosie the Riveters? during WWII working on airplanes. Later she worked at Dayton?s Oak Grill, Powers, and Land O? Lakes test kitchens. On August 22, 1942, Eleanora was married to John Nicolai until he died of cancer at their home with Eleanora by his side caring for him. Eleanora and Johnny were parents of two children, John who died in infancy and Lynn whom Eleanora lived with until her death. They shared a love of flowers and have beautiful flower gardens. Eleanora was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed cooking. They lived many places and enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and renovating cabins. She also loved her dogs and cats. Eleanora died on July 18, 2014 at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 93. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Nicolai of Alexandria; two sisters, Helen Albeck of Alexandria and Clara Christiansen of Vermillion, SD; numerous nieces and nephews; and Eleanora?s cat, Scooter. She is preceded in death by her son, John; husband, John; parents, Olai and Helena; brothers, Harry, Carl, Selmer, Bernard; and sister, Hannah. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Montevideo with Reverend Donald McKee officiating. Interment was Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Montevideo. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria