Eleanora M. daughter of George and Margaret Becker Niemann was born March 7, 1915, in Bethel Township of rural Fayette County, Iowa. She was baptized on March 7, 1915, at the home of her parents by Rev. A.H. Landgrebe and confirmed August 25, 1929, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Richfield by Rev. Fred C. Ide. She received her education in the Sumner Schools, graduating from Sumner High School with the class of 1933.
On September 23, 1943, she was united in marriage with Russell W. Tank at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Richfield by Rev. Herman Diemer. She and her husband farmed for thirty one years prior to retiring and moving to Sumner in 1974. Mr. Tank died on September 6, 1995.
A resident of the Hillcrest Home in Sumner, Eleanora’s death occurred there on Sunday, February 22, 2009, following a brief illness. She was 93 years old and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner. Eleanora had been active in her church, both Richfield and Sumner over the years.. She taught Sunday School and held various church offices.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Erwin Niemann, a sister, Wilma Kirchmann, and twin brother and another brother, who died at birth.
Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2009, at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sumner. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made in her name to either St. John Lutheran Church or the Hillcrest Home, both in Sumner
