Eleanor M. Eigner

Eleanor M. Eigner, of Fairgrove, passed away on January 21, 2021 at Bay Valley House Assisted Living, due to complications from COVID-19, at the age of 104. Eleanor was born April 4, 1916 to Julius and Mary (Schilliar) Richard in the family’s Merritt Township farmhouse, the fourth of 13 children. She attended Mitchell School through the 8th Grade, and grew up helping on the family farm. She was a lifelong member of St. Norbert’s Catholic Church in Munger until its closure, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and on the Parish Council, and was a member of the Ladies Altar Society and Knights of Columbus Council #2740 Ladies’ Auxiliary. For many years, she chaired the St. Norbert’s food tent at the Munger Potato Festival. On September 26, 1933 at St. Norbert’s, she married George F. Eigner, son of the late Frank and Laura (Cnudde) Eigner. Together they farmed and established Eigner Certified Seed Growers in Gilford Township. Eleanor was self-taught in all aspects of farming, from driving tractors to sugar beet trucks, to planting and harvesting. After George’s death in 1979, she continued to farm, retiring after 70 years to maintain and enjoy her beautiful yard. In addition to one brother, Virgil (Clarice) Richard, she is survived by her children and their families -- daughter Janet (Gene) Cianek and their children: Cheryl (Tom) VanOoteghem & son Gavin (fiance Abagail Johnson), Lori (Gary) Roehring & children Olivia and Joseph, and Jodi (Kevin) Britton & daughters Claire and Julia; son Robert F. (Bob) Eigner and his children: Kelly Eigner (fiance Don Erndt) & sons Justin and Jacob (fiance Killie Henninger), Brian (Katrina) Eigner & children Lauren, Jericho, and Darrin, Jennifer Eigner & children Alexis, Michael and Braylen, Jason Eigner (fiance Robin Beamish), and Nicole Eigner, as well as seven great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish—St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Bay City, with Fr. William Rutkowski presiding. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Trahan Funeral Chapel on Friday evening from 4-7pm, and at the church one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. Due to current health concerns, social distancing and facial coverings will be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valley Garden Club of Bay County, or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Bay Valley House, including Karen Barry and her staff, for the loving care given to our mother over the past eight years, and Chris Hill of First State Hospice. For on-line sentiments: www.trahanfc.com Bay City, Michigan

April 4, 1916 - January 21, 2021

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Eleanor M. Eigner

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JUNE VANOOTEGHEM

February 1, 2021

WHAT A WONDERFUL LADY! ENJOYED HAVING HER COME IN THE GREENHOUSE WHEN SHE BROUGHT IN HER HUSBANDS CEMETARY POT. SHE WOULD GET MADE WHEN I SAID GRANDMA'S DON'T PAY HERE. THEN WE WOULD STAND THERE ARGUING ABOUT IT. SHE ALWAYS SAID SHE WOULD GIVE THE MONEY TO HER GRANDDAU... Continue Reading

Virgil/Diane Wiechec

January 23, 2021

A candle was posted for Eleanor M. Eigner.

Nancy

January 22, 2021

Janet and Robert and families, So sorry for you loss but I am so glad you had many years with your mother. Prays and thoughts are with you. Nancy Willett

Pat and Colleen Osantowski

January 22, 2021

We are very sorry about the passing of Aunt Eleanor. Due to covid we will not be attending. When we think of Esther, Aunt Eleanor is always with her. Love, Pat and Colleen

Kathy Howe

January 22, 2021

A candle was posted for Eleanor M. Eigner.

Donna Herzberg, Richard and Christine Flink

January 21, 2021

Sending our deepest sympathies on your loss.

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Eleanor M. Eigner

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