Elnor J. Cahill, 96 of Jefferson, died peacefully on Friday, June 8, 2018 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center of Johnson Creek.
Elnor was born on June 23, 1921 in Waupaca, WI, the daughter of Frank and DuEtta (Gabrielson) Duff. She is a 1939 graduate of La Crosse High School and married Walter Cahill on May 3, 1947 in La Crosse. The couple had four children and Walter died due to complications stemming from heart disease in 1969. Elnor never remarried. During WWII, she worked at Truax Field in Madison and the Pentagon in Washington D.C., in the Surgeon General’s office. Walter and Elnor owned and operated the Rocket Station on E. Racine St. and she also worked as head cook at the County Home (now Alden Estates) for many years. Elnor was very able, a strong lady who was the eldest in her family and learned responsibility early in life. She was a leader, and very frugal – always doing what was right. Elnor had a quick tongue and a sharp mind and her wit will be remembered.
Elnor is survived by: her children, John of New Port, TN; Susan Smith of Jefferson, Shirley Stoller of Fort Atkinson, and Walter (Dona) Jr. of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Chris (Joyce), Craig (Melissa), Cory (Joanie), Carrie, Jamey (Becky), Joseph, Jackie (Darrell), John (Jodi) IV, Kelly (Wade), and Courtney; 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; and a sister, Dorothy Harris of Prairie du Chien. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Elnor is preceded in death by: her parents, husband, a daughter-in-law Bonnie Cahill, sons-in-law, William Smith and John Stoller III; brothers, Vernon and Robert, and a sister Marian Goedeke.
The family would like to express a heart-felt thanks to the staff of Rainbow Hospice for the loving care provided.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with Rev. David K. Zandt presiding. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. She will be buried at Lakeside Cemetery of Waupaca following the service. Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit www.olsen-gibson.com