Elinor M. Bloomstrom, 89, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory, SD.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.
Elinor Marlene (Walton) Blomstrom was born Nov. 18, 1928 to Ralph and Freda (Wagner) Walton in Chadron, NE. One of seven children, her family moved around in Nebraska before settling near Clearfield in Tripp County where she grew up. Her father passed away when she was nine years old, leaving her mother struggling to raise the family on her own until she married Guy Walton in 1954, whom Elinor became very close to. She lived with her aunt in Valentine during high school years and graduated in 1945. She attended college in Spearfish but was unable to complete her education as she was needed at home to help with the family.
n She taught country school for a year before employment at the Co-op in Winner, where she met her future husband, Robert Blomstrom. They were married in October of 1954 and to this union six children were born. She resided in Winner until a decline in health made it necessary to move to Silver Threads in Gregory to be closer to her daughters. Eventually a move was made to Butte Senior Living and then Avera Rosebud Country Care Center where she remained with her lifelong love until her passing.
Family held the highest place of importance in her life, and her children and grandchildren were her passion. She was always eager to help out when needed. She was blessed to be able to be home with her children while they were growing up, and seeing her waiting at the door after school or baking cookies is a favorite memory of her children. She was often seen sitting at her sewing machine making clothing for daughters, granddaughters and dolls. But she would also play catch with her sons in the backyard. There are many fond memories of her on the floor playing with grandchildren, sitting with them on her lap reading them encyclopedias and other books, or cheering them on at their sporting events. She was their biggest fan. Other hobbies included reading, especially the classics, doing needlework until her eyesight prevented it, crossword puzzles and watching old classic movies.
A member of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, she shared her love for Jesus with her children and loved to sing them Bible songs from her youth.
She is survived by her children: David, Seattle, WA; Neil (Brenae), Yankton, SD; Beverly (Rod) Graesser, Dallas, SD; Laurie (Mike) Spartz, New Hope, MN; Barbara (Steve) Nallick, Golden Valley, MN; and Jeanne Fortuna, Gregory, SD. Also her grandchildren and great grand children: Glenn (Kirsten) Graesser, Vermillion, SD (Walter, Henry, Eddie); Jordan (Cassie) Graesser, Boston, MA; Leah Graesser, Redding, CA; Emilee (Max) Hendricks, Sacramento, CA; Nolan, Josie, Alyssa and Nathan Fortuna, Gregory, SD; Allyson Spartz, New Hope, MN; Cierra Bordeaux and LaShya Farmer, Dallas SD.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Freda Walton, Guy Walton; sister Joyce Bettcher; brothers Ralph (Dean) Walton, Albert (Ab) Walton, Richard (Dick) Walton; an infant sibling ; and son-in-law Rod Fortuna.
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