Eleanor's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Eleanor here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Dearest Grams Family -
I'll always have fond memories visiting Michigan (from Racine, Wisconsin) when I was a kid and making the rounds to each cousin, grandparent, aunt and uncle. It wasn't always easy to see everyone because there are A LOT of Menchingers. But there were tons of great memories from all the visiting we did...well, except for the traveling through Gary, Indiana part...phew! But from whenever we would visit Eleanor and Joel, I have so many distinct and wonderful memories about them. I recall many games of pool in the basement with Joel (well...it was more like throw the balls into the holes at my age), the smell of fresh baked goods wafting through the house, flowers, a neat and tidy house, watching the Johnny Carson's Tonight Show on that giant television set with the family, seeing Joel do silly magic tricks, and playing with all the kid's board games for hours on end. I still remember one Thanksgiving there when I was probably 6 or 7. There was lots of snow on the ground, Kathy was there, and the spread was huge, the smells were incredible, and the food was amazing! And what I'll always remember about Eleanor and the entire Menchinger family are qualities like; sweet, soft spoken, big heart, peace, wisdom, love, hard working, loyal, and dedicated...especially to each other. I'm very thankful to have seen all these fruits of the spirit of God "in action" in Eleanor's life and the entire family's life. How she and Joel cherished their marriage and transcended that into their children's lives and those around them was a great example for me now as I help raise my family. Thank you Eleanor for the sweet life you lead and for the wonderful example you provided for others around you. It's still playing on...
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Matt Case
June 9th, 2020 at 11:21am
Eleanor & Joel will always have a special place in my heart. They were good friends with my parents, Al & Rusty Ratcliff. I have great memories from my childhood of going to their house for dinner, and then watching them all play Pinochle or Michigan Rummy. Your Mom was such a beautiful Christian woman, and a great friend to my Mom. What a comfort to me that they are all together in Heaven now, spending time together, sharing stories, & perhaps playing cards! May God comfort you & give the family peace during this difficult time. Marla Ratcliff
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Marla Ratcliff
June 5th, 2020 at 10:53pm