Eleanor Durkin

Eleanor Durkin, 91, went home to the Lord Jesus February 7th, 2017 at the Valley Eldercare Home with her family at her side. Eleanor was born on October 25th, 1925 in Warsaw, ND, the daughter of Stanley and Stella (Gonshorowski) Kowalczik. She grew up in Warsaw, where she met her lifelong love and husband John, of 68 years. Their first son was born and died at birth. They then, lived and raised their family of six children, in Grand Forks, ND.  Eleanor will always be remembered for her love and compassion for others. She was a wonderful woman of God who always encouraged others to pray and follow Jesus. She wanted to see everyone with her in Heaven and never stopped praying for them. She is survived by and will be deeply missed by her daughters, Carol (Jon) Chicago, Ill., Shirley (Wayne) Lakota, Karen (Rick) Duluth, MN, and Linda (daughter in law) Grand Fork;. Grandchildren, Christopher, Trevor, Tamzen, Tabitha, Calley, Cole, Joshua, Chris, Michael, Corinna, Marlya, Laura, Christine, Megan, John; and 17 great grandchildren; a sister, Irene. She is preceded in death by her husband John; sons, Ronnie, and John Jr; daughters, Marilyn and Jane. Parents, Stanley and Stella; brothers, John, Joseph, Edward, Richard, and Stanley; sisters, Helen, Josephine, Vernie, Florence, and Dorothy. The Family of Eleanor wants express their appreciation and gratitude to Father Dan Mrnarevic  for all the love and care he's given to our mother over the many years he has. Also, thank you to Marilyn Ydstie, Mary Bannach, Terry Moen, Rita Ahles, and Evelyn and Walter Paschke for your friendship and the many visits. Thank you to the Valley Eldercare Staff, Dr. Jon Allen, and Altru Hospice for all that you have given for our dear mother and grandmother. The Lord Bless all who has smiled on, touched, or blessed our precious Mother. We are forever grateful. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 PM Saturday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Calvary South Cemetery in the spring.