Eleanor Dickman

Eleanor Mercedes (Kennedy) Dickman, most recently of Green Bay, WI, passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of March 19, 2024, after nearly 96 years of a life full of faith, love, stories, and laughter. Eleanor was born on May 28, 1928 to John and Mary Kennedy in Brooklyn, New York. It was there a young country boy from Wisconsin named Gordon Dickman swept her off her feet while serving in the Coast Guard. The two were married on September 1, 1951 and lived in many different states across the country including Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, and California until retiring to farm in Wisconsin after Gordon's 27 years of service.

The Lord blessed them with three children. Eleanor didn't just embrace the role of homemaker, she was a stunning example to her children and grandchildren of true devotion to marriage and motherhood. When her husband was stationed in Vietnam, Eleanor became the head of the household while living near her family in New Jersey and was an example of strength and loyalty. She selflessly cared for her loved ones, providing unwavering support, guidance, and love. Eleanor filled her home with love, laughter, and homemade meals, creating cherished memories that her family will forever treasure.

Eleanor was known to be an active church member and believed strongly in the power of prayer. She was a member of a local homemakers group where they worked together to do good in the community, be creative, travel, and build friendships that lasted decades. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, rosemaling, and baking, and was known for her specialty jello salads. Eleanor was often found with a stack of books and believed that reading was one of the most important things a person could do and that every story had the potential to be a great adventure. Gordon and Eleanor had many adventures of their own together, traveling across the country and abroad. Her favorite trip was to Australia, but there was no place she treasured more than being in her kitchen. She believed that family was the most important, and told everyone to love their family and to be a good friend.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her husband Gordon, her parents, and her sisters Genevieve and Roberta. Eleanor leaves behind her sister Lorraine and her children Linda (John) Birder, Gordon (Cheryl) Dickman, and Michael (Jodi) Dickman. She is further survived by her grandchildren Andrew (Ashley) Birder, Michael Kennedy Birder, Patrick Birder, Malia (Michael) Karshbaum, Darcy Dickman, Matthew (Dawn) Dickman, Jackson Dickman, and Julia (fiancé Emily Channell) Dickman, and her great-grandchildren Grayson and Kennedy Birder, Finnegan and Ridley Kennedy Karshbaum, and Alex and Delaney Dickman.

Eleanor's family would like to thank the entire staff at Moraine Ridge and Bristol Hospice for their care and companionship with a special thank you to Amy, Joy and her special helper Melissa. An additional thank you to Dr. Asma for his support.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 301 W Tielky St, Bear Creek, WI, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, with visitation from 10:00am until 10:45am, followed by a mass at 11:00am with Father Simon Minyati, OFM Conv, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Green Bay ADRC (https://adrcofbrowncounty.org/donate/)