Eleanor E. Gayan (nee Shefka) age 93 of West Bend died Monday, February 1, 2016 at the Samaritan Health Center. She was born October 9, 1922 in Saxon, WI to Anton and Anna (nee Konkol) Shefka.
She married Joseph W. Gayan in Chicago on March 18, 1945. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Bayonne, NJ. In 1950 they bought a farm outside of West Bend. She helped on the farm in addition to working at Enger Kress for 5 years and then the West Bend Company until she retired.
Eleanor loved dogs, flowers, birds, and walks in her woods. Her love of the outdoors came from exploring the woods as a child with her father and brothers in Ramsay, MI. However, the most important thing in her life was family. The frequent family reunions held over the years at “The Farm” brought her the greatest joy.
Eleanor is survived by her step-daughter, Mingyon Townsend of Kewaunee, WI, her son Joseph A. (Kristine) Gayan of West Bend and 4 step-grandchildren: David, Roy, Theresa, and Cathy; 4 grandchildren: Joseph P. (Amber) Gayan, Michael J. (Jennifer) Gayan, Caroline (Joseph) Kindt and Zachary T. Gayan and 5 great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Hunter, Reed, Grant and Kate. She is further survived by her brother Walter Shefka, 2 sisters Jeanette and Loretta, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Anna Shefka, her husband Joseph W. Gayan in 1972, her step-granddaughter Carol Ann Townsend and her siblings Edwin, Evelyn, Tony and MaryAnn.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 12 noon at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend. The family will greet visitors from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend. Memorials to the Salvation Army are appreciated.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family.
Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com