Eleanor Esther (Monhaut) Freehauf

January 22, 1930 ~ September 8, 2024 (age 94)

Eleanor E. Freehauf, 94 years old, passed away on September 8, 2024, at her home.  Eleanor was born on January 22, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana to the late John and Mary (Shimp) Monhaut.  She has been a lifelong resident of Lakeville, Indiana. Eleanor and Harold “Pete” Freehauf were married on June 17, 1950, in South Bend.  Pete preceded her in death on April 5, 1995.  Three sisters, Pauline Accoe, Alice Hartman, Julie VandeZande, and one brother, John Monhaut, also preceded her in death.

Eleanor is survived by her four children, Greg (Becky) Freehauf of Granger, IN, Cindy (Ed Jennings) Freehauf of Denver, CO, Dennis (Kay) Freehauf of Lakeville, IN, and Leon Freehauf of Zionsville, IN; eight grandchildren, Chad (Johanna) Freehauf, Brian (Jill) Freehauf, Andrew (Sarah) Freehauf, Piper (Stacy Buford) Knight, Kristen (John Christy) Freehauf, Kelly (Matt) Davis, Sophia Freehauf and Wyatt Freehauf.  She is also survived by her four great grandchildren, Lauren, Lucas, Julien, and River.

Eleanor grew up on a dairy farm and as an adult she was committed to the Pete and Eleanor Freehauf Family Farm.  Every day was full and busy with things she loved including her family and friends, gardening and preserving food, sewing, church, and helping her children in sports and many other school and related activities.

After graduation from South Bend Central High School, Eleanor was a secretary at Studebaker Corporation.  She used those skills to become a certified Ward Secretary at the Plymouth Hospital for more than 25 years and to help in managing the Family Farm.

Eleanor has been a faithful member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.  She was a member of the Homemakers Club and was active with St. Joseph County 4-H.

In recent years, Eleanor’s amazing caregivers were also her friends and a key part of the Eleanor Freehauf family.  All of this while she continued to live in her home within clear view of the Pete and Eleanor Freehauf Family Farm.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Palmer Funeral Home in the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan Street, Lakeville, IN.  Rev. Greg Abuya will officiate.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26 at the funeral home.  Friends may also visit with the family one hour prior to services on Friday, September 27.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Eleanor E. Freehauf may be donated to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, P.O. Box 2528, South Bend, IN  46680 or to Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN  46545.  Online condolences may be offered to the Freehauf family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

09/12/2024 DEC

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Eleanor-Freehauf