Memorial

Eleanor (Ellie) Reeder died Tuesday, September 15, 2020 of end stage renal disease at her home, surrounded by her loving family.  

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 9, at 11:00 am at Cedar Memorial. As mandated by proclamation, social distancing and masks are required.

Ellie was born November 4, 1928 in Ossian, Iowa, to Borghild and Magnus Barnes. She moved with her family to Cedar Rapids at the age of ten.  She graduated from McKinley High School in 1946 and attended St. Olaf and later Kirkwood Community College.  Music played a large part in her life.  She played the violin, sang in many choirs, and enjoyed being a part of numerous musical productions.

On September 5, 1948, she married Carl Reeder. They were married for 66 years until his sudden death in 2014.

Eleanor devoted many years to creating a home and raising her family during their early years.  She later went back to school and worked in the business world for 20 years. She served on the Board of Kingston Hill and Foundation II.   She was a member of First Lutheran Church where she served in many capacities through the years.

Ellie enjoyed daily walks, music of all kinds, reading, tennis leagues, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.  Her greatest love was her family.  She felt fortunate to be able to be a part of their lives for so many years.  She was strong and positive, inspiring others to carry their challenges with grace, dignity, and good spirit.  She was always grateful to have had such a good life.

Left to cherish her memory are her children;  Lynn (Bryce) Hansen of Iowa City, Steve (Carol) Reeder of Alburnett, Brian (Veronica) Reeder of La Habra, CA, Bruce (Dana Heath) Reeder of Boise, Idaho;  grandchildren Ryan (Leah) Hansen of London, England, Caryn (Kyle) Wilcox of Lake Bluff, Illinois, Scott (Amanda) Reeder of Cedar Rapids, John (Amanda) Reeder of Frankfort, Illinois, Laura (Mike) Keniston of Alburnett, Lauren Reeder of San Francisco, and Brett Reeder of Boise, Idaho;  fifteen great grandchildren; brother Norm Barnes (Donna) of Cedar Rapids, sister Gladys Johnson of Roswell , Ga., sister-in-law Joan Barnes of San Antonio, and many special nieces and nephews.

Ellie was preceded in death by her husband Carl, her parents, brother Alf Barnes, and sisters Myrtle Heuston, and Elsie Bond. 

Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church or Camp Courageous.