Eldora Janet (Maas) Reil

Eldora J Reil, formerly of Manson, went to be with her Lord on January 3, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Center Nursing home in Forest City where she had resided for the last 6 years following a stroke. Eldora requested no funeral service so there will be a visitation on Saturday January 11, 2020 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at the Larson-Weishaar funeral home, Manson, IA with a committal service and internment following at the St Paul cemetery.

Eldora was born on March 22, 1923 to William and Anna (Thoel) Maas. She graduated from Manson High School in 1940 and went on to beauty school in Fort Dodge. After achieving her license, she worked in a shop located on Main Street behind the local barber shop. After working for a few years, she met the love of her life, Eleanor Reil, and they were married on Christmas Day 1944, so her twin brother, in the service, could get a furlough and give her away. However, he only got a three-day pass but managed to be there. Eleanor and Eldora made their home on a farm north of Twin Lakes, west of Manson. In 1974 they retired from farming and moved into Manson. The tornado, in June of 1979, took the roof off their house. They rebuilt in the same place where Eldora lived until her stroke caused her to go to the nursing home. Eleanor passed away February of 1999.

Eldora was very active in the women’s groups of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Manson, serving in many capacities. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She always had a large garden with very straight rows. She sewed for her family, crocheted numerous afghans, and made many rag rugs with her loom. Many of which are still in use today.

She loved her family and very proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and all their accomplishments. Her cooking was a special delight for her family. Carol’s family liked her chicken and noodles which she prepared whenever they came to visit. Lanette’s family preferred her spaghetti, which she always fixed for them when they came. One time, however, she mixed them up. Her grandchildren were not impressed. She was surprised to live as long as she did because she would say “No one in my family lived to 80. I guess God doesn’t have my room ready yet.” She lived to 96.

Eldora is survived by her children- Carol (Alvin)Levine, Lanette (Monty, deceased) Branstad. Kevin (Jackie) Reil, 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

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