Eleanor Whisler

Eleanor C. Madsen (Vetter) Whisler  On May 22, 2008 Eleanor, 89, having lived a full and active life, passed peacefully (from a stroke) in her home of 36 years in Port Orchard, WA with her family present.  She was born September 6, 1918 in San Francisco, CA to Fred and Freddie Madsen.  At a young age she moved to Tacoma where she was raised by her Uncle Al and Aunt Pearl Madsen.  Eleanor was a proud 1936 graduate of Stadium HS.  She always enjoyed class reunions and keeping in touch with classmates.  She graduated from Knapp's Business College and enjoyed a career with Pacific National Bank of WA (First Interstate),  retiring in 1975 as Operations Officer.  She was past Chairman of the Tacoma Chapter of the American Institute of Banking.  She cherished her life-long banking friends.  After retirement, Eleanor and her husband Jack traveled throughout the US.  They enjoyed attending many reunions of his wartime unit, the 451st Bombardier Group.  After losing Jack in 1991, Eleanor served as Secretary for the Lyon's Club 19-C (named a Melvin Jones Fellow), handled membership for Parkwood Community Center, served as Secretary for her church in Retsil, and worked for St. Vincent de-Paul.  She was a 50 year member of Tacoma Chapter No. 126, Order of Easter Star.  Eleanor loved the water, enjoyed observing wild Eagles, was a devoted UW Huskies football fan, loved reading, loved her Siamese cats and always nurtured her family and friends.  She was an excellent cook and a generous hostess.  She brightened the lives of all who knew and loved her.  She was preceeded in death by 1st husband Don Vetter and late husband, Jack Whisler and by brother John Madsen.  Surviving are sister Ruth Sarchet; children Connie Cook, Dennis Vetter & Linda Ann (Richard "Mike") Stillwell; cousin Beverly Pollen; nephews John (Ann) Nowicki, David (Sharon) Nowicki; nieces Sandy (Ron) Seibert, Susan (Loren) Linde; granddaughters Donna Dobson & Molly Stillwell; 2 special sisters-in-law Myrna (Leonard) Huffman and Wanda (Ron) Clement; 4 step-children and their families Kaye (Bob) Olson, Lorraine (Terry) Kuneman, John (Donna) Whisler, and Mollie May and steadfast friend Bill Dunn.  The family wishes to thank David Munoz, M.D. and his staff for their years of excellent care and also the staff at Tacoma General (4J Team I and 5J) for the outstanding quality care Eleanor received during her 2 hospital stays.  Special thanks to Bill Dunn for being such a loving and devoted friend.  Words can't express how much Bill's many kindnesses, joyful spirit and helpful ways enriched Mom's life.  Eleanor's cheerfulness and remarkable zest for life will always be cherished.  She remains our inspiration.  Her spirit lives on in all of us.  The memorial service and celebration of Eleanor's life will be held Monday, July 14, 2008 at 1:30pm at Rill's Life Tribute Center, 1151 Mitchell Ave, Port Orchard (360-876-4405).  Remembrances may be made to Tacoma General Hospital or Retsil Community Church (PO Box 667, Retsil WA 98378).    John 5:24:  "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my Word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life".