Eldora Gangstad

Deerfield- Eldora Lorraine Gangstad, 94, died September 7, 2014, at St. Mary's Care Center, Madison. She was born on January 27, 1920, in Stoughton, WI, the daughter of Elmer and Sophie (Rindahl) Evenson. She was baptized and confirmed at West Koshkonong Church in rural Stoughton. She graduated from Stoughton High School and attended Madison Business College. She married Hamlin Gangstad on November 7, 1942. Hamlin and Eldora were dairy and hog farmers on the farm with the round barn on Highway 12 & 18 near Deerfield. They were active members of St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church where Eldora participated in circle and WELCA. Hamlin died in 1997. Eldora was active in Young at Heart, Red Hatters, RSVP, and a 500 card club. She was a regular volunteer at the church office for many years. Eldora loved stories. She loved to hear them and loved to tell them, and everywhere she went, people expected her to have a new joke to share with them. She never disappointed them as she always had a story ready to share. St Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel always; use words if necessary." Eldora always preached the gospel and she never used words. Eldora is survived by daughter Shirley Gangstad of Spring Valley, MN; daughter and son-in-law Sue and Stan Jahn of Deerfield; two granddaughters, Sarah and Stephanie Jahn of Deerfield; sister Evelyn Handeland of Stoughton; brother-in-law, Lowell (Leila) Gangstad; several nieces and nephews who dearly loved Auntie Eldora; and special friends Cathy and Jim Durham and family of Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hamlin, and four brothers. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church, 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, with Rev. Holly Slater officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to a light luncheon immediately following the services. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at church, and one hour before the time of services Thursday. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church, Deerfield. A special thank you to the staff of St. Mary's Care Center in Madison for their excellent care of Eldora. Please share your memories.
Cress Funeral Service
201 Bue Street
Deerfield, WI 53531
(608) 764-5369