Eleanor Hlavac, 97, of Vero Beach, passed away on New Year’s Eve at the Hospice House in Vero Beach.
She was born in 1918 on the prairies of Saskatchewan to Arthur and Helen Ogdahl, a newly married couple who homesteaded in Canada and raised wheat and two beautiful daughters. Hlavac is preceded in death by her sister Lorraine.
Learning the lessons of farm life, she embodied the work ethic of her Norwegian heritage throughout her life. She always appreciated every little luxury, often comparing places and services to the “Waldorf Astoria” and the “Ritz.”
While attending beauty school in Minneapolis, she met her future husband of 54 years, Frank Hlavac, at the Calhoun Beach Club Ballroom. They owned the local Family Food Store in St. Louis Park, Minn., for 38 years. They raised three children: Wally (deceased; wife Beverly) of Minneapolis, Lorry (Ned) Gartner of Vero Beach and JoAnn Keller (partner Michele Dore) of Prescott Valley, Ariz. Her five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren will miss her.
Hlavac enjoyed her last eight years living in Florida with Lorry, Ned and their little dog, Ollie. The family is grateful for almost six years of loving care offered by the staff at the Adult Day Care Center. Advanced dementia led to her peaceful death as “God saw that she was getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around her and He whispered “Come with Me.”
All who knew her were met by graciousness, kindness and the twinkle in her eye. She truly loved everyone who touched her and shared her affection freely. God blessed her with a full and joyous life.
In memory of Eleanor, donations may be made to the Senior Resource Association, 694 14th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960. Memorial Services will be later this spring in Minnesota.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.