Eleanor Jane (Groetzinger) Campbell

Eleanor Jane Campbell peacefully passed away at Marla Vista Manor in Green Bay on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at the age of 92.  Eleanor was born in Philadelphia, PA to Mabel and James Groetzinger on December 4, 1926. Havertown was home to Eleanor Jane through her college years, growing up with her older brother Donald and younger sister Esther.  As a child, Eleanor spent her summers with relatives in Cape May, N.J., where her love for the sea, sea shells, and lighthouses began.

Eleanor went on to receive her teaching certificate at Westchester State Teachers College and taught 4th grade in the Philadelphia area.  She spent two summers at Penn State University working on her Master’s in Teaching.  It was here she met Carl Campbell.  It was also here where their loyalty to the Penn State Nittany Lions began.

Eleanor and Carl were married in 1955 and continued living in Pennsylvania until Carl graduated with his PhD in Agronomy.  After their first daughter, Diane, was born, they moved to Starkville, MS where Carl worked for Mississippi State University.  They lived there 10 years and had two more daughters, Donna and Ellen Jean.  Carl’s career later took the family to Illinois and Michigan before settling in Sun Prairie in 1972.

Eleanor’s faith guided her life as a wife, a devoted mother, and a friend to many in the community.  She was a long-time member of the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, volunteering as a Sunday School Teacher, a leader and member of countless Bible study groups, and various church committees.  Eleanor and Carl were also volunteering at the Colonial Club, making weekly deliveries of Meals on Wheels. Eleanor was a voracious reader.  She also looked forward to her daily walks with friends and enjoying an afternoon cup of Earl Grey Tea in one of her beautiful china tea cups from her extensive collection.

Eleanor’s favorite time of the year was the annual pilgrimage to Cape May, N.J. to see her family and friends.  Many wonderful family memories were made in Cape May, which included going to the beach and collecting Cape May Diamonds.  Cape May was Eleanor’s second home.

When Carl was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Eleanor took care of him in their home up until his last year of life.  After Carl passed, Eleanor continued to live in the same home for a number of years. As her memory began to decline, Eleanor was moved to Marla Vista Manor in Green Bay to be closer to her daughters.  Here she made many new friends.  The staff members would continually say “Eleanor is so sweet.”  Her gracious and kind demeanor was acknowledged by all who made her acquaintance.  She was a loving, caring person.  The angels in heaven can now continuing to sing her praises.

Eleanor is survived by her three daughters:  Diane (Randy) Nichols, Donna Campbell, and Ellen Jean (Greg) Wilson; granddaughter Jennifer Nichols (Jason Kipp); and great-granddaughter Bella Kipp.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; her sister, Esther; her brother Donald; and her parents.

Visitation for friends and family will take place Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, 702 North Street, at 10:00 am, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 am, with Rev. Jenny Arneson officiating.  Interment will take place at Sun Prairie Memory Garden.

Eleanor’s daughters would like to offer sincere thanks to the Colonial Club in Sun Prairie, whose staff helped provide enrichment, guidance and support for Eleanor and her family through their Adult Day Care program and Meals on Wheels.  A special thanks to all the compassionate caretakers at Marla Vista Manor in Green Bay, who provided a loving home and enriching environment for our mother these last 7 years.  Enough thanks cannot be given to the caring staff at Heartland Hospice for providing comfort and love to our mother in her last weeks of life.  These knowledgeable caretakers taught us all how to find peace in letting go.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the Sun Prairie Colonial Club Legacy Fund. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos may be shared on Eleanor’s tribute page at www.lyndahl.com

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