1926
2017
Born September 3, 1926 in Flint, MI to Paul and Dorothea (Stahlbaum) Dunkel, passed away on March 27, 2017 at the age of 90. Eleanor was one of fourteen children. She married the love of her life, Gordon Bilyea on March 3, 1945. Eleanor was a member of the All Saints Lutheran Church and was one of the co-founders of a sewing group at the church that made quilts for the needy. Eleanor also served on the Altar Guild. She was famous for her white candy cookies and loved gardening, sewing, crocheting and spending time with her family.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon Bilyea March 3, 2012; daughter, Marie Mahnke; 12 siblings; and son-in-law, Steve Brinkman. Surviving to cherish her memory are her daughter, Nancy Gill; son, Paul (Kerry) Bilyea; brother, Loren Dunkel; several grand and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Friday, March 31, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the All Saints Lutheran Church, 720 W. South St., Mason, MI 48854 with the Rev. Julie Winklepleck officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Sparrow Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909 or All Saints Lutheran Church. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Ball Dunn Chapel Mason. Memories and on-line condolences may be shared with the family at www.grbdmason.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
2 Entries
March 31, 2017
hey Paul we are sorry to see that your mother passed away.Bless you and your family. Tim & Peggy Welton
March 30, 2017
Jason Fuller
Eleanor was such a blessing at All Saints. Growing up in that church Gordon and Her Love all of the children at the church so much. I am going to miss her just as much as I miss Gordon!!!
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