Eleanor Van Slyke
October 18, 2011

Eleanor Johanna Van Slyke, 96, Green Bay, died on Wednesday, November 19, 2008.
She was born in Green Bay, WI, on September 12, 1912, daughter of the late John and Emma (Radick) Gaffney. She was very proud of her Green Bay roots and resided there her entire life, except for the last few years where she resided at Prairie Homes Elder Services in Menasha, WI near her daughter. Eleanor graduated from Green Bay West High School. For a few years, she worked as a secretary for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. On November 14, 1942, she married Arthur Vernon Van Slyke of Oshkosh, WI. She enjoyed 52 years of marriage to Art. Besides raising two children, she was very involved in the community and participated in organizations such as the Allouez Park Board, Green Bay YMCA, Green Bay and De Pere Women’s Club, Antiquarian Society, and Garden Club. She and Art enjoyed the Neighborly Dance Club and were strong supporters of the Republican Party. Eleanor loved people and enjoyed socializing with her friends in Bridge Club, Birthday Club, Sewing Club and the Westside Gals. She was active at her church in the Priscilla’s and enjoyed a couple’s bridge group with her husband. She was a loving and devoted mother to her son, Craig, and his partner, Laurie Rupert, of Fox Point, WI, and her daughter, Mary, of Appleton, WI. She was blessed with four grandchildren James Van Slyke of Pasadena, CA, and his wife, Jenny, Tyler Van Slyke of Leewood, KS, and his wife, Carrie, Kyle Van Slyke of Overland Park, KS, and his wife Jade, and Dana (Wink) Kons of Appleton, WI, and her husband, Ben. She also had four great grandchildren, Abby, Kail, McKinley and Mollie. A fifth great grandchild is due in April to granddaughter, Dana. She also had a deep fondness for her former daughter-in-law Carol (Niles) Cornell, and former son-in-law, Paul Wink. Other survivors include a brother, Jack and his wife, Catherine (Minetre) Gaffney, a sister, Kathryn (Gaffney) Tausche, nephews John Gaffney and Kurt Tausche, and nieces Ellen Gaffney, Julie (Tausche) Halverson, and Katie (Tausche) Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, three brothers, Robert Gaffney, Leland (Pete) Gaffney, and Albert (Toot) Gaffney, and a sister, Johanna (Gaffney) Armstrong. Eleanor had a wonderful life filled with a large family, many friends and devotion to her community. Eleanor will be sadly missed by her family, friends and the residents and staff at Prairie Homes. Friends may call at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 991 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay, after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2008, where the funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Scott Naevestad officiating. Burial will be at Fort Howard Memorial Park. Lyndahl Funeral Home has assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com.
A very special thank you to the loving staff at Prairie Homes for taking such good care of Eleanor. Bethany, Carrie, Sarah, Jessica and Michelle, thanks for your kindness and love towards our Mom. Julie, thanks for loving Mom like your own and for going way above and beyond in assisting with her care. A special thanks also to Dr. Richter and the wonderful hospice staff of Vi, Chris, Abby, and Nathan. You were all such caring people.

Tributes