Eleanor Cecelia Kurtz, age 93, of Sykeston, ND, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Golden Acres Nursing Home in Carrington, ND.

Eleanor Cecelia Lee was born September 9, 1926, in Bordulac, ND, the youngest child of John & Elizabeth (Enders) Lee. She attended school through the 11th grade and found joy in playing basketball. At the age of 18, Eleanor moved to a boarding house in New Rockford, ND and later began to waitress at the Rockford Cafe.

On November 1, 1946, Eleanor was wed and became Mrs. Walter Schaack. They moved to Tacoma, WA in 1947. John, Londa, Ross and Laura were born there. In 1964, they moved back to North Dakota.

Eleanor wore many hats, literally and figuratively. She enjoyed her years as a homemaker, as a waitress and bartender, and 38 years of writing the Sykeston News for the Wells County and Foster County Paper. Writing the news allowed her to do what she loved most, socialize and be an integral part of her community, including St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church and American Legion Auxiliary. She looked forward to her own yearly family holidays and reunions as much as getting the news on everyone else’s. Her family often received letters with news clippings of their stays or big accomplishments in news columns. She had a way of making others always feel special and cared about.

Eleanor will be remembered for her festive accordion playing, hearty laugh, and delicious pies, as well as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and all-around generous spirit.

Eleanor is survived by her four children; John (Brenda) Schaack of Billings, MT, Londa Turoy of Carrington, ND, Ross (Sandra) Schaack of Goode, VA, and Laura (Larry) Schumacker of Fullerton, ND, by her 10 loving grandchildren, and 12 adoring great grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, John & Elizabeth Lee, her first husband Walter Schaack; four sisters, Beatrice, Josephine, Mildred and Dorothy; three brothers, Harry, Leonard, and Francis; her second husband, Arnold Kurtz and her great-granddaughter, Olivia Goodale.

A Visitation will be June 18th, 9:00AM-6:45PM, with a Rosary Service at 6:45PM followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00PM all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 19, 2020, at 10:30AM at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Sykeston, ND.

Her Burial will be at the St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Cemetery, Sykeston, ND.