Eleanor P. Pilger, age 93, a Manitowoc resident, entered eternal life on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center.

Eleanor was born on August 27, 1920 in Manitowoc to the late John and Pauline Mrozinski Gadzinski. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1938. Eleanor married Charles Pilger in Manitowoc and he preceded her in death. She had worked for and retired from National Tinsel Company. Eleanor enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and attending and cheering at her grandchildren's activities. She loved cardinals, butterflies, and angels, spending time with her family and friends, and her love of God was always with her.

Survivors include one son: John Pilger, Downey, CA; three daughters: Sandy (Peter) Herrmann, Martha's Vineyard, MA; Connie (Sal) Monaco, Tewksbury, MA; and Jeannie (Carl) Knutson, Manitowoc; seven grandchildren: Val (Craig) Kryla, Kristy Kral, Phil (Megan) Monaco, Eric (Itzel) Knutson, Julie (Erin) Roberts, Nick Knutson, and Melinda (Jim) Fullano; eight great grandchildren: Darien, Vincent, Dylan, Gabriel, Emily, Sam, Jack and Lily; sister: Geraldine Thomley; sister-in-law: Eunice Gadzinski; also nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents: John and Pauline Gadzinski; her children's father: Charles Pilger; baby sister: Audrey; four brothers: Chester, Ambrose, Hilary, and John; niece: Carol; brother-in-law: Harold Thomley; and sister-in-law: Joyce Gadzinski.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2013 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Deacon Alan Boeldt will officiate with burial to take place at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday from 3 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 4 p.m. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home & Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center for the care and love they gave.

Mom will be missed. Her children were her world and she was always there with a shoulder and a hug. Knowing her was always like coming home and she was the most gentle, kind, and giving person. She is not grounded anymore and her beautiful spirit has taken flight. We love you and we will see you again!