Eleanor Elizabeth Vise , 94, longtime Burlington resident and Postmaster was called to her heavenly home by her Lord on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from her earthly home. She was surrounded by her loving family and under the gracious care of her hospice nurse.

Eleanor was born to Ludwig R. Sonnenberg and Bernice Eva (Sanders) Sonnenberg at Saco, Montana on November 16th, 1916 where her parents were homesteading. As a youngster Eleanor moved with her family around the state of North Dakota. In the fall of 1933 Eleanor's family moved to Waterford Township, north of Burlington. Eleanor attended Burlington High School and graduated in 1936. During her senior year in high school Eleanor worked for relatives herding cattle, working in gardens and at the Minot Country Club.

Eleanor married Wilbert M. "Wib" Vise on October 15, 1937 at Minot, ND. She and Wilbert lived in Burlington where they owned and operated Wib's Mobil Station. In 1945 they moved to Donnybrook where they made their home and operated a business until 1947 when a fire destroyed their home, business, and an adjacent building forcing the family to return to Burlington.

During the early 1950's, Eleanor and Wib returned to Donnybrook where they opened a new business called Wib's Confectionary. Once again in the mid 1950's the Vise family returned to Burlington when the children reached school age. Eleanor accepted a position in the Burlington post office as the Burlington post office clerk/acting postmaster. Eleanor was installed as Postmaster of Burlington in 1956 and retired in 1977. Eleanor always said, "The one regret I have about retiring will be missing all the friends I have made during the 21 years while working in the Post Office."

Wilbert passed away on December 23, 1985. Following her husband's death, Eleanor continued to reside in Burlington.

Eleanor was a charter member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burlington, later transferring her membership to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church in Minot. Through visitation, continuous prayer and support of the Bethel Free Lutheran Church, Eleanor became a friend of that congregation.

Eleanor had a beautiful relationship with her grandsons. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, listening ear or loving heart; building character and respect in each one, allowing each to develop their own individuality during their maturing years. "Grandma" always knew when they needed a warm pair of pajamas or some of her yummy homemade donuts. One priceless gift she gave her grandsons was the example she lived daily. She loved the Lord, in her speech, actions, honesty and wisdom. She was a living testimony.

Eleanor was known for her many talents. She has blessed so many family members and friends with her beautiful paintings. How she could captivate the ripple of the water and the trees swaying in the wind will remind us of how her hands could create beauty. Her paintings included portraits of her loved ones and places she was raised and travel destinations. She was a collector of used cream cans, saws and saw blades on which she displayed her artistic talents in country scenery and introducing the four seasons. When Eleanor was not painting on canvas she was tole painting on old fashioned storage boxes, hat boxes and chests.

How blessed we are as her family to have been the recipients of her creative quilting and ceramic dolls, each being dressed in a home sewn outfit to match their personality. Eleanor was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be missed by all.

Eleanor leaves to mourn her passing: Daughter: Geraldine "Geri" (Charles) Olson, Minot, ND; Sons: Allen (Yvonne) Vise, Burlington, ND; Richard (Linda) Vise, Minot, ND; Four Grandchildren: Todd (Sarah) Olson; Rich (Tammy) Olson; Joe Olson; Dustin (Laken) Vise; Nine great-grandchildren: Cassie, Devin, Elizabeth, Kierstin Olson; Mya, Tyler, Zachery, Jeric Olson and Taylan Vise all of Minot; Sister: Helen (Duane) Peterson, Minot, ND and many nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Nick Olson, brothers: Robert Sonnenberg and Paul Sonnenberg, sisters-in-law: Francis Sonnenberg and Jeanette Sonnenberg.

Funeral service : Thursday, November 3, 2011, at 11:00 am in Bethel Free Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Bethel Free Lutheran Church or to Trinity Hospice of Minot.