Obituary

Eleanor Irene (Wennes) Trottner was born in Minneapolis on October 26, 1922, the youngest of 3 children. After completing high school she witnessed the outbreak of WWII and jobs previously available only to men became open to women. She worked as a cereal chemist, grading grain as it came through Minneapolis in box cars from nearby Midwest farms.

She married Joseph Trottner, a WWII veteran in March of 1947 and they moved to Denver CO. Their 5 children were born there. She lost a son, Thomas at birth in 1955. In 1971 she and her husband moved to Orcas Island, WA with their youngest two children, Teresa and David. They lived there until 1996 when they relocated to Bellingham where he died in 1997.

Eleanor enjoyed drawing, writing, volunteering, crocheting and playing cards. She was truly a “people person” whose life was defined by her love of family and a continuous desire to help others. She found joy in serving at the local food bank until she could no longer stand for long periods of time.  Knitting hats for the homeless became her next venture, followed by crocheting lap robes (close to 100!) for Veterans.

Each of us children have fond memories of Halloween when she participated fully, sewing costumes for us and engaging the family in “tricks” and “treats”.  She loved dressing up, often beginning her planning for her costume in August. Dressing up in costume was something she enjoyed well into her 90’s. She always said that she got through life with “faith and a sense of humor”.

She died peacefully at age 97(“and ½” she liked to say) on June 12, 2020. She is survived by her son, Joe (Maria), daughter, Nancy (Len), son, David (Lisa), and daughter Teresa (Mike). She leaves behind six grandchildren, and their spouses, thirteen great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Each of us will miss her dearly as we share the stories of her life, and live out her legacy of loving service.

Due to COVID 19 her remains were not able to be donated to Science Care. A celebration of her life will take place in Bellingham at a later time, when it is safer to travel and to gather. In lieu of flowers she requested that donations be made to the Bellingham Food Bank. The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Patty Wines and the caring staff at Gracious Living Adult Family Home and to Whatcom County Hospice for taking such personal and loving care of Eleanor (and keeping her COVID free!).