Eleanor Kline Porter was 84 years when she passed away unexpectedly, at her home in Apple Valley.
Her family will greet guests on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and also one hour prior to the service at church. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 11 am, at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, 16150 Arcadia Ave. SE, Prior Lake. The Reverend Chad Gilbertson will preside. Eleanor’s pall bearers will be her grandchildren: Laura Porter, Brian Porter, Jennifer Peters, Jason Muelken, Tierney Porter, Alexandra Porter and Zach Schlosser. David Schlosser will be joining them in spirit.
Robert W. and Eleanor (Staff) Kline welcomed into their arms their first of two daughters, Eleanor, born on April 18, 1930 in Abington, PA. The elder sister to Barbara, she grew up in the Philadelphia, PA area. Eleanor spent summers with her parents in Ocean City, New Jersey. She spent countless hours strolling the board walk, stopping to enjoy the rides and eating salt water taffy. Eleanor also enjoyed listening to the big band music, among her favorites being Benny Goodman.
A shy young lady, Eleanor’s parents sent her to attend Friends Central High School. This private school experience changed her personality for life. She enjoyed playing field hockey and lacrosse. Eleanor furthered her education at Earlham College. It was there she met Verne B. Porter. On August 18, 1951 in Bala Cynwyd, PA, they exchanged wedding vows. Verne was soon drafted into the service. They found themselves leaving college and being stationed in Fairbanks, AK. For a short time, Eleanor went to work for the postal service and drew up their first postal route. She and Verne later returned to Earlham to finish college. Eleanor graduated in 1954, with a home economics and teaching degree.
While raising her children, Verne B. III, Robert D, Cheryl Anne and W. Scott, Eleanor was a substitute teacher. Later in life, she worked as the main receptionist for Honeywell at the world headquarters in Minneapolis from 1985-1995. Eleanor also worked part time for 22 years at J.B. Hudson Jewelers. For 15 years, she was also a huge part in her son Scott’s business as his detail-oriented painting assistant.
Eleanor was an avid gardener and relished tending to her flowers and vegetables. An exceptional cook, she even started a gourmet cooking club with friends. Eleanor also enjoyed playing bridge and refurbishing anything that had a value. Living an adventurous life, she loved to travel. Eleanor was fortunate to travel to places such as Alaska, Florida, Seattle, Hawaii and even went white water rafting on the Colorado River. She enjoyed the sights of the Caribbean, Thailand, Japan and much of Europe. At the age of 73, Eleanor even hiked the cliffs of Italy.
It was family and friends that meant the most to her. Eleanor loved traveling to see her sons, her sister and catching up with her devoted college friends. She truly enjoyed life and never wanted to miss out on a party or gathering. Eleanor was fun loving and could make a connection with a complete stranger. The legacy of her selfless acts of service will be forever remembered. Eleanor’s laughter and energetic personality now lives on in her family’s hearts.
Left to honor Eleanor’s life and mourn her death are her children, Bart (Becky) Porter, Bob (Karri) Porter, Cheryl (Doug) Muelken, Scott (Vanessa) Porter; grandchildren, Laura Porter, Brian (Kristen) Porter, Jennifer (Tyler) Peters, Jason Muelken, Tierney Porter, Alexandra Porter, Zach Schlosser; great-grandchildren, Noah Peters, Ethan Peters, Will Porter; sister, Barbara (Nolan) Packham; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Eleanor home in heaven is her husband, Verne; grandson, David Schlosser and parents, Robert and Eleanor.
