Eleanor A Wertz

Eleanor Ann Smith Wertz passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018, rejoining Fred, her husband of 64 years, who died just six months ago. Eleanor is survived by her children Raymond, Ann and Jonathan (Tamara); grandchildren Julie, Meghan, Sara Sol, Isabel and Jacob (Coby); her loving nieces and nephews Heidi (Mark), Karl (Claire), Gretchen (John), Sara, Kristin, Ellen, Dale (Pam), John and Don (Lonnie); her wonderful great nieces and nephews; her friend, Bertha; and her big sister, Kathryn – who all will miss her greatly. Along with Fred, Eleanor has rejoined her sister, Jane.   Eleanor devoted her life to her family, her friends, to people in need, and to the nursing profession. Those who knew her during her later years might not appreciate her sharp intellect and her many achievements (despite Fred’s constant willingness to extoll them). For example, Eleanor taught nursing for twenty-five years at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Mich. and at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. She simultaneously supported nurses in practice by championing the critical role nurses play in providing safe, high-quality, and dignified patient-care. Eleanor also served as president of the North Dakota Nursing Association wherein she doggedly championed the work of nurses and the value of the nursing profession. This work led to several trips to Washington, where Eleanor schooled legislators about healthcare and the need for reform, culminating in a 1994 visit, when she had the pleasure of meeting Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Al Gore. Eleanor infused her actions with kindness, love, and compassion. She produced poems, wrote essays, and knitted sweaters appropriate to the climates she was forced to endure. She also convinced her husband to take in any animal who wound its way – or was delivered – to her door. Like her sisters, Jane and Kathryn, Eleanor was kind but no pushover; able to inspire those around her to be all they could be. The love she shared will live on in her children and the many other people she touched. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.   Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Hwy. 51 at Jackson St. (608)-873-4590