Eleanor Claudia Willman

Eleanor Claudia Willman was born to Charles and Theresa Gondran on August 29, 1917 in St. Louis, MO. She died on August 17, 2017 after living at Madonna Towers in Rochester, MN for 12 years. Her experience living through the Great Depression and World War II toughened her to the hardships of life, but these difficulties never diminished her capacity for love or hope. Eleanor married her childhood friend and sweetheart, Clyde A. Willman Sr., when he was on leave from the Navy, December 27, 1941. She followed him from base to base throughout World War II, from Hells Kitchen to Washington, DC, Long Beach, San Diego and Tacoma, among other postings. She raised her first child, Clyde Jr., by herself, while her husband fought in the Atlantic and the Pacific as an engineer on a cruiser. Following the war, Eleanor and Clyde settled in Valparaiso, where he went to college on the GI Bill at Valparaiso University. Following Clydes graduation, he began his teaching career in Valparaiso, and they settled down to raise their family. The family moved to Fargo, ND in 1957 when Clyde was appointed principal of Fargo Central High School. Their next career move in 1963 took them to warmer climes in the Panama Canal Zone, where he became principal of the American high school. This surprisingly high-profile position in the Canal Zone meant that they occasionally rubbed shoulders with Panamanian leaders, including Omar Torrijos and Manuel Noriega. Her 14 years in Panama gave Eleanor a love for swimming in the ocean that she would carry with her into retirement, even if she had to settle for indoor swimming pools. In 1977, they retired to Pensacola, FL, where Eleanor could visit the beautiful white beaches and continue to swim in the ocean, while Clyde could enjoy year-round golf. In Pensacola, Eleanor had her first paying job as a water aerobics instructor. She volunteered in each community she lived in, and she loved to travel. They raised two sons, Clyde A. Willman, Jr. (Wendy) of Rochester, MN and Charles E. Willman (Pati) of Lakewood, CO. Her greatest joy was her family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com