Gertrude Eloise Haefner

Gertrude Eloise Haefner, who went by “Eloise”, was born in Madison, Wisconsin on October 16, 1928. Eloise passed away quietly in her own home with family by her side on July 16, 2013 at the age of 84. She was the third daughter of six, born to Gertrude Augusta Mae Kayser, Lundgaard and Herbert Marvin Lundgaard. Preceding her in death are her, parents, Herbert and Gertrude Lundgaard, sister, Leona Proctor,Webb and grandson William Ryan Sullivan. Surviving sisters, Bernice Bunker of Ontario, CA, Alvina Haak, Clarice Haefner both of Boring, OR and Ruth Ahlberg of Sandy, OR.

She is survived by two daughters, Theresa Diane Haefner, Paugh of Ocean Shores, WA, and Lori Andrea Haefner, Powell of Port Saint Lucie, FL. Her 7 grand children include: Sherry Illy of Lynnwood, WA, Sami Sullivan of Issaquah, WA, Darron Sullivan of Bothell, WA, Kris Hedden, of Vancouver, WA, Kourtney Edge, of Burlington, NJ, and Ketura Abo, of Sheridan, OR. She also is survived by 7 Great-Grand children. Sherrese Smith, Stephany Smith, both of Lynnwood, WA., Christopher Illy, of Chicago, IL., Marissa Hedden & Shane Abo, both of Sheridan, OR. Lucas Hedden & Jacob Hedden, both of Vancouver, WA. Great-Great Grand children include: Jaiden Culley, of Lynnwood, WA.

Eloise was also preceded in death two years ago by her husband of 64 years Andrew John Haefner. They were married in 1946 in Madison, Wisconsin and moved to Oregon with her parents, the Lundgaard’s. They purchased a plot of acreage in Boring, Oregon and raised their two children in the home that Andrew built. They continued to live in that home for the rest of their lives. Eloise and Andy spent their time preening the land, growing a multitude of flowers and bushes. Eloise enjoyed fresh apples from the trees and many different fruits throughout the season.

Eloise Haefner was a gentle soul. She fed the stray cats that wandered in her yard and provided nectar for all the hummingbirds she could encourage to come. She was careful to a fault with gentle words to all. One of her favorite sayings was, “If I could stop one tear of another from falling, my life would be worthwhile”. She loved her gardens and plants. She was an expert crochet artist and taught me, her eldest daughter everything I know. Eloise’s talents did not end there. She hand-fired, and painted porcelain dolls some of which were life sized. They were pieced together by hand and the eyes were imported from Germany and hand set in wax. She painted wonderful scenes of Mt. Hood, the ocean and other pictorials around the country. She could knit like no one had ever seen. She made entire wardrobes for most of the babies born in the family. Eloise’s crocheting was nothing less than amazing. She also in recent years joined the Skip-A-Week quilt club in Estacada, OR. She enjoyed hand basting the charity quilts that were made to help others. No one ever had a birthday, anniversary or other event which did not result in a card from her. Her kindness and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

She was a treasured soul and loved her husband “Andy,” more than words could say. We will miss her and all she represented and taught us. Each one of her family members made special memories of the personal interaction and lessons she had for everyone.

We will love you Always!