Eleanor J Warnke

Warnke, Eleanor Josephine (Demorotski) CROSS PLAINS - Eleanor Josephine (Demorotski) Warnke, age 92, peacefully, in her sleep, passed from this life over to her next and final adventure on Saturday, April 4, 2020. Eleanor was born in Chesterton, Ind. on Nov. 9, 1927. She was the daughter of Steven and Laura (Wisemann) Demorotski and was second of two children. She was raised on her mother’s farm in Westville Ind., the site of the Purdue North West Westville Campus. Eleanor was very proud of the fact that she graduated from Westville High School, Class of 1945, and religiously attended the Westville High School class reunions for many years. On Aug. 9, 1947, she married Royal E. Warnke. Together with Royal’s parents, George and Evelyn Warnke, they lived and worked on the family dairy farm located on Johnson Road in Michigan City. They had two daughters: Jane Warnke (Greg) Hyer of Cross Plains, Wis. and Jean Dolezal (Jon) Wisnieski of Crossville, Tenn. Eleanor enjoyed staying active within the Coolspring Township community. She was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ and the St. Johns Ladies Guild. She was a 50-year member of the Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi National Sorority and also in the Coolspring Township Project Club, the Coolspring Farmers Institute, the Delta Wives of Phi Delta Kappa and the Vivians of The Elks. She played golf for many years with the North Course Monday Golf League. Eleanor took great pride in leading an active lifestyle. She enjoyed traveling, watching the sunsets on Lake Michigan, golfing, spending her winters in N. Fort Myers, Fla., and playing endless games of Euchre and Pinochle with family and friends. In a May 2007 edition of The News-Dispatch Savvy edition, Eleanor was featured as the “Handkerchief Lady“, highlighting her hobby of collecting handkerchiefs and their history. She shared her hobby with others giving presentations to local Senior Centers and friends. Her collection currently includes over 600 handkerchiefs. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Royal; and her sister, Mary Demortoski Scheff. She is survived by her daughters, Jean and Jane; three grandchildren, Lauren Hyer Martin, Benjamin Hyer and Colin Hyer; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her constant companion of 23 years, Stanton J. Richards of Michigan City, and her best friend, Beverly Lubs. A public celebration of Eleanor’s life will be scheduled at a later date. The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice in Madison, Wis. for their kind assistance and guidance. We would like to also thank Milestone Senior Living for all their care, attention and companionship. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Coolspring Township Volunteer Fire Department. I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me. When you’re a child she walks before you, to set an example. When you’re a teenager she walks behind you, to be there should you need her. When you’re an adult she walks beside you, so that as two friends you can enjoy life together. Thanks Mom. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Cross Plains Funeral & Cremation Care 2421 Church Street (608) 798-3141