Eleanor L. Heesch, 92, died Friday, February 5, 2010 at Riverview Manor, Flandreau. Eleanor was born March 8, 1917 in Pipestone, MN to Elmer and Lillian (Stienke) Kansanback. She attended Vance Country School until the 8th grade. She worked for various neighbors. Eleanor married Hilbert Heesch on June 2, 1936 in Brookings, SD. They moved to Sanborn, MN where she worked on a farm. In 1943 they moved back to a farm northwest of Flandreau. Eleanor worked as a nurse's aide at the Flandreau Municipal Hospital for 15 years. In 1973 they retired from farming and moved into Flandreau. Hilbert preceded Eleanor in death on January 6, 1993. Eleanor was a member of United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and different church circles, Christian Women, Get Together Club and the Hospital Auxiliary.

Eleanor is survived by one son, Dick (Rea) Heesch, Scottsdale, AZ; a son-in-law, Harvey Keating, Salt Lake City, UT; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; a brother, Vernice Kansanback, WA; 2 sisters-in-law, Blanche Kansanback, Colman and Ardis Kansanback, WA. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband; 1 daughter, Doris Keating; 1 infant son, Roger Heesch; parents; 2 sisters, Mildred Backas, Lucille Luck and 2 brothers, Kenneth Kansanback and Burnell Kansanback.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 10:30 AM at United Methodist Church with burial in Union Cemetery, Flandreau. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 PM Monday at Skroch Funeral Chapel.