Eleanor Berdahl, 97, Princeton

August 4, 1918 - October 18, 2015

Eleanor Gurene Berdahl died Sunday, October 18, 2015, at the young age of 97, at the Princeton Elim Home.

She was born August 4, 1918 to Tony and Emily (Bratt) Anfinson in Foreston, MN. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Dailey Township south of Onamia, where she attended grade school at District 56 in Mille Lacs County. Eleanor graduated from Milaca High School in 1935 and Milaca Normal Training Department in 1936. She taught school for 12 years in Mille Lacs County rural schools. She went on to get her BS teaching degree at St. Cloud State College, graduating in 1960. She taught school for 6 years in the Princeton school system and 20 years in the Anoka-Hennepin system.

In 1938 Eleanor was united in marriage to Gale Wilken of Onamia where they farmed until 1954. Three children were born to this union, Leland, Duane and Eileen. Her husband, Gale, died in 1963. She married Arvin Leegard in Coon Rapids in 1966. They retired at a lake home in Nevis, MN in 1980. Arvin passed away in 1986. In 1991 she married David Berdahl of Nevis. In 1997 they moved to Princeton, MN. David passed away in 1998.

Eleanor was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and belonged to Circle. She was also active in Princeton Civic Betterment Club, Rum River Senior Citizens Club, TOPS Club, Princeton Hospital Auxiliary and Curves. Eleanor enjoyed entertaining family and friends, knitting, crocheting, scrap booking, reading- she liked to be busy. She was a very kind and classy lady.

Eleanor lived at the Caley house since February, 2011. She enjoyed visiting with others and taking part in all of the activities.
She is survived by her son Duane (Shirley) Wilken of Princeton; son-in-law Gary Lehr of Edina; brothers, Ervin (Toshiko) Anfinson of Minneapolis, Wayne (Mary) Anfinson of Mora and Dennis (Doris) Anfinson of Milaca; sister Lillian Robideau of Eagan; 8 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren; several great and great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her 3 husbands; daughter Eileen Lehr; son Leland (Janet) Wilken; sisters, Ruth (Roy) Robideau, Delores (Melvin) Larsen and Ida Mae in infancy; brother Robert (Lila) Anfinson; brother-in-law, William Robideau; and 1 granddaughter in infancy.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11AM, Friday, October 23 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Princeton. Visitation will be from 5-7PM Thursday, October 22 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Princeton as well as one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Anoka.

Memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Princeton Elim Care and Rehab.