Eleanor M. Arends

PERU – Eleanor M. Arends, age 89, of Peru, passed away with her daughters by her side Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru with Pastor Timothy Kenyon officiating.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Eleanor was born August 2, 1926 in Chicago, the daughter of Joseph G. and Margaret G. (Schneider) Vargo.  She married Donald R. Arends November 14, 1943 in Chicago.  He preceded her in death on March 25, 1992.  Eleanor is survived by her daughters, Carole M. Drzewiecki of Utica and Diane M. Arends of Batavia; three grandchildren, Gene E. Drzewiecki, Beth M. (Paul) Schrik, and Lisa K. Drzewiecki (Debby Busse); and five great grandchildren, Nicole (Jake) Kowalczyk, Jillian and Kimberly Drzewiecki, and P.J. and Jake Schrik.  She was preceded in death by one son, Donald R. Arends Jr. and a brother, Robert Vargo.

Eleanor was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru, where she served as a greeter, was active in a sewing group, a member of the Owls, and also a group that looked in on the homebound.  She had been employed by the First National Bank of Chicago but was a hairdresser most of her life.  She loved technology and was addicted to her Kindle, playing Words with Friends and doing puzzle games.  She loved people and spending time with her family and her beloved cat, Mandy.  Eleanor loved line dancing and as a teenager danced at the Chicago World’s Fair.  She was an avid Cubs fan and loved to cook.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital or Disabled Veterans of America.