Eleanor J. Townsend

Eleanor J. Townsend, age 69, of Early, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, with Father Patrick O'Kane officiating. Burial will be in Early Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, 2003 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early any time after 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City is in charge of the arrangements.

Eleanor J. Fitzgerald was born September 4, 1934 at Fonda, Iowa, the daughter of Dan and Blanche (Morris) Fitzgerald. She grew up in Fonda and attended Fonda O.L.G.C. School. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church in Fonda.

On March 7, 1953, Eleanor was united in marriage to Ferdinand Townsend, Jr. To this union six children were born: Tim, Jim, Sue, Linda, Peggy, and Jody. In 1955 they moved to Early and she transferred her membership to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Eleanor and Junior celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March 2003.

Eleanor worked for Bil Mar in Storm Lake for 22 years, retiring in 1992. She enjoyed playing Bingo, going to Sloan, eating out at the “East End”, relaxing on her deck, shopping, and visiting with friends. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be missed by many.

Survivors include her husband Ferdinand, Jr.; her children: Tim Townsend of Storm Lake, IA, Jim and Midge Townsend of Newell, IA, Sue Bloyer of Schaller, IA, Linda and Bill Nattress, and Peggy Beach both of Sac City, Ia; her step son Terry Berry of Florida; her grandchildren: Brandon Nattress, Chuck Nattress and his fiancé Sara Williams, and Brenda Nattress and her fiancé Brian Schmitt, Alysa and Greg Hartman, Tessa and Cole Wallace, BreAnn Townsend, Troy, Mike, Chad, and Daniel Bloyer, Jake Beach, Katie and Brett Townsend and Lexi Townsend; one great-grandson Nathan Wallace; her brothers: Don Fitzgerald of Fonda, IA, Jim Fitzgerald and his wife Elsie of Waukee, IA, and Harold Fitzgerald of El Cerrotio, CA and extended family and friends.

Her parents; nine brothers and sisters; one son Jody Townsend; and one grandson Matthew Beach preceded Eleanor in death.