Eloise L. Serdahl , 82, Bismarck, formerly of Minot, entered heaven Sunday, March 20, 2011, in a Bismarck Care Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Eloise Blakely was born September 9, 1928, in Hamilton Township of Mercer County, near Trenton, NJ, the daughter of Marion and Mary (Bailey) Blakely. She was raised and educated in Trenton, NJ. As a young adult, she was employed as an associate for Lennox China for a number of years.

Eloise met and later married Ralph Serdahl on April 21, 1951 in New Jersey. Following his discharge from the US Air Force, they made their home in Minot, ND.

In addition to being a full-time wife, mother, and eventually a grandmother, Eloise was employed by Dakota Square Dental, was a sales associate for Avon for a number of years and also maintained involvement in her children's lives during their school years as a member of VISE, Volunteers In Service to Education.

Eloise was blessed with many talents. She was gifted in ceramics and the painting of Santa Clauses and snow babies, sharing them with her family and friends. Eloise was a tremendous cook, ensuring everyone was fed well upon entry into the Serdahl home, where the coffee was always ready and complimentary with a visit.

Eloise was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Minot. She was an auxiliary member of the American Legion, VFW, AmVets, and Disabled American Veterans, serving as Commander from 1977-1978. A continuing care and devotion to our nation's veterans was shown through many hours of service through the United Voluntary Service at the John Moses USAF Regional Hospital in Minot.

Other life enjoyments included animals, crocheting, card playing, collecting ivory bone China and flowers. Eloise was totally devoted to her family taking the time for each individual relationship. She will be missed, always loved and never forgotten by all who shared in her life.

Her loving family includes, children, Ralph Duane Serdahl, Minot, Kathleen (Jim) Seykora, both of Minot, Wesley Serdahl, Minot, ND and Teri (John) Arman, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Amy Davis, Kenneth Serdahl, Elizabeth Serdahl, Shelby and Colton Arman; great-grandson, Hunter Davis; sisters, Gloria Painter, Trenton, NJ and Dolores Beers, Columbus, NJ; brothers, Marion "Nick" (Lillian) Blakely, Ronald Blakely and Jack (Ann) Blakely all of Trenton, NJ and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Eloise was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ralph, son, Kenneth, sister, Doris Hanson, and brothers, Vernan, Kenneth, Donald and Gerald Blakely.

Funeral service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2011, at Augustana Lutheran Church, Minot, ND.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Visitation: Thursday, March 24, 2011, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to St. Vincent's Care Center, Bismarck, ND.