Eleanor Hedwig (Elli) Bienhoff, 85, died peacefully Sept. 30 at St. Anthony Park Home surrounded by her loving family.
Elli was born in St. Paul in 1929. She was the daughter of the late Paul and Hedwig Fredrick. After graduation from South St. Paul High School in June 1947, she began working at Swift and Company. She met her future husband, David, at a Bible study group and they married in 1949. Elli and David lived in Butterfield, Minn., moved to Jackson, Minn., and finally settled in St. Anthony Park. David ran an insurance agency out of their home, and Elli raised their four children.
She was a committed Christian and took an active part in church life at both Central Baptist Church in St. Paul and University Baptist Church in Minneapolis. Elli was a lifelong learner, avid reader and music lover. She also loved to travel.
Elli’s warm, loving personality endeared her to all who knew her. She embraced many causes and was an ardent feminist and volunteer.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years; beloved children, Paul (Alisoun), Lisa (John) and Estelle; granddaughters, Alena (Lacey) and Megan (Scott); and grandson, Calum. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jan.
A memorial service was held at University Baptist Church on Oct. 5.
