Eleanor Emma (Pieper) Sandquist

Eleanor Emma Sandquist, age 92, originally from Granite Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at Folkestone assisted living facility, in Wayzata on January  23, 2023, while surrounded by family.

Eleanor was born November 21, 1930, on the family farm in rural Maynard, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City, MN. After growing up on the farm, attending a one room elementary school, and graduating from Clara City High School, Eleanor attended St. Olaf College. She graduated with a degree in English and Music Education and taught a year in Britt, IA.   While working in Granite Falls as a parish worker and social worker, Eleanor met Alvin. They were married in 1958. She and Alvin made their home in Granite Falls, raising four children.

Eleanor was a member of Granite Falls Lutheran Church. She spent 39 years as the church’s choir director, was an active member of the ladies aide, and played organ at the funerals of countless members of the community. She was a member of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, the piano guild, and taught piano lessons to children of the Granite Falls community for many years.

After raising their children, Eleanor and Alvin enjoyed traveling. She brought back treasures from Nepal, Russia, Norway, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, Alaska, and many other parts of the United States. There were many repeated trips to Branson and  HostFest in Minot. However, her favorite destination was a cabin on Diamond Lake.

Eleanor enjoyed decorating for a variety of gatherings at her home. Whether it was the family for a fancy holiday meal, the ladies of the Red Hat Society, or her early morning swimming friends, her table was a sight to behold. At the center of the table were flowers from her three perennial gardens she tended. Her motto was ‘ digging in the garden is good therapy for the soul.’

Eleanor is survived by her four children: Paul (Renee) Sandquist of Eden Prairie; David (Debra) Sandquist of Kasota; Janet (Brad) Jans of Wayzata; Gary (Kellie) Sandquist of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren: Jonathan (Rachel) Sandquist; Amy (Janelle) Sandquist; Sarah (Brian) Meuleners ; Michelle (Tony) Hecht; Katherine Sandquist; Alexandra Sandquist; Isaac and Peter Jans: great grandchildren Max and Reese Meuleners:  sisters-in-law Lois Severson and Mary Ann Kamann, and other extended family and friends.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; parents George and Trientje Pieper; brother and spouse Wendel (Betty) Pieper; brother-in-law and spouse Glen (Elsie) Sandquist; sisters-in-law and spouses: Esther (Woodrow) Titrud; Gladys (Donald) Cornell; Mabel ( Marvin) Tonn; brothers-in-law Harold Severson and Roger Kamann.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to be sent to the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

Service information:

Memorial service Saturday, January 28th, 11:00, Good Shepherd Lutheran, 3745 Shoreline Drive, Wayzata, MN 55391    Visitation beginning at 10:00

Live stream may be found at 10:00 at www.GoodShepherdmn.org

Visitation in Granite Falls, MN Sunday, January, 29th 3:00-4:00 at Wing Bain Funeral Home with family interment following at Hillcrest Cemetery

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