Eleanor S. Bigelow

Eleanor Serene Bigelow was born September 2, 1919, to Edwin C. and Emma G. Haugen Holtan at the home of her grandparents, Thomas and Aaste Holtan, north of Forest City, Iowa. She moved with her parents to the Alden-Freeborn area in 1925. Eleanor attended Melander District 15 Country School and graduated from Freeborn High School in 1937 and was also a graduate of the Minneapolis Business College. She began working in Albert Lea in 1938 for Duluth Credit Finance Co. and later as a bookkeeper for Community Co-op Oil. On December 23, 1941, Eleanor was united in marriage to William J. Bigelow in Little Rock, Arkansas. During WWII and later, she was employed in the office of the American Gas Machine Co. In November 1954, Eleanor became the Customer Service and Parts Department Manager for Sears, Roebuck, & Co. retiring in 1981. Eleanor was a member of the United Methodist Church, Hope Circle, Freemond Madson Post 447 Auxiliary and secretary/treasurer of the Past Presidents Club for over 30 years, Albert Lea Senior Citizens, Naeve Hospital Auxiliary, and Royal Neighbors of America. She also bowled for many years and was secretary/treasurer of the Leagues. Eleanor enjoyed her crafts, sewing, and keeping scrapbooks of newspaper clippings, which she began while attending grade school in 1933 and continued to the present time. Survivors include her daughter, Sherry and husband, Robert Cyza of Richfield; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Milo and Doris Madson of Albert Lea, James and Doris Bigelow of Austin, Clare and Elise Bigelow of Tillamook, Oregon, Annabelle Hansen of Robbinsdale, and Elda Bigelow of Forman, ND; nine nieces and nephews; special cousin, Sarah Underwood and many other cousins; and her grand-dog, "Teddy." Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; sister, Bonnie Holtan; brothers, Dennis Holtan and Larry Holtan; and brothers-in-law, Warren Bigelow and Donald Hansen. Eleanor was a beloved mother who will be sadly missed by her family. Memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Scholarship Fund or the donor's choice.