Passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 24, 2018. She was born November 13, 1926 to Rev. Theodore Dorn and Thekla (nee Frederking) Dorn. Beloved sister of Ted (Gertrude), Paul (Gloria) and Louis (Erna); loving mother of sons, Gregory (Sandy, nee Mindemann), Stewart, Neal and daughters, Lee (Bob Burklund), Kay (David Portner) and Joan (Richard Kriss). Predeceased by Rev. John E., Erna, Ted, Paul, Gloria; son-in- law, Bob Burklund, and grandchild Gabrielle/Ian Harris Schroeder.
Eleanor graduated HS with honors and attended Valparaiso University with a full scholarship for 2 years participating in choir. She transferred to and graduated from Case Western Reserve, Magna Cum Laude. Eleanor was awarded Fulbright Fellowship. She chose instead to teach at her father’s school, St Paul’s Lutheran,Cleveland, Ohio and married Rev. John E. Schroeder, on August 5, 1951, then associate pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Cleveland Ohio.
John accepted a call to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Tell City, Indiana. Eleanor served as Choir Director. She was a hosting member of the American Association of University Women and the alto soloist in the annual Messiah Community Choir. Eleanor worked on her Masters Degree in Learning Disabilities. She and her friend, Marilyn Kriesle, started Special Education classes in a church basement providing an education to previously unserved children.
The family moved to St Louis,Mo, in 1969 where Eleanor worked for the Special School District of St Louis County. She was an advocate and educator to children with special needs. She served prestigously as a Learning Disabilities Diagnostician for many years. Eleanor was an active member of the Council for Exceptional Children and one of the first educators to earn a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities. She loved singing solos with her brother Paul and sister-in-law Gloria in the elite American Kantorei Choir. Eleanor served as President of the ladies Full Gospel Business Women’s Association.
Once retired from education, Eleanor and John remained active in church, community in Dardenne Prairie, and traveled, mostly to visit family. In later life, her care was graciously assisted at Breeze Park and finally Heisinger Bluffs. Eleanor always wanting to remain as independent, caring, intelligent and loving as possible toward her family and others . She never tired of humor, love of music and singing. Life was forever filled with teaching moments. Eleanor will forever be in our hearts and cherished by all of her 6 children, 18 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephew’s.
Services: Eleanor’s funeral will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5911 S. Highway 94, Weldon Springs, Mo 63304 October 8, 2018. Visitation 11:00 a.m., Service 12:00. Gravesite service on October 9, at 9:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer Cemetery 8300 Mackenzie Rd, Affton, Mo 63123.