Eleanore J. Holthues, age 80 of Helena

Eleanore J. Holthues, age 80, of White Sulphur Springs, MT passed away peacefully at Beehive Assisted Living in Helena MT on November 30, 2023. Eleanore was born January 1, 1943 at the family home in Pepin County, WI the daughter of the late Frank and Eva (Laschinger) Risler SR.

Eleanore was raised on the family dairy farm and went on to technical college in Eau Claire, WI. She was a Daddy’s girl and loved helping out with anything outside including cutting corn and hay on the steep fields. Before completing college, her mother became ill and she returned home to care for her. She enjoyed going to Eau Claire, WI and dancing down at the Water Street clubs.  She met Gary McMahon, who lived just 20 minutes from the family farm and they were married on July 27, 1969. Together they had two children, Julie who was born in Eau Claire WI and Dennis who was born 2 years later in Glendive MT. Together they raised the children in Montana, living in Glendive, Townsend and finally moving to White Sulphur Springs in 1975. They were later divorced in October 1984.

Eleanore worked at the First National Bank in White Sulphur Springs for many years.  She was known as the drive-up lady, serving over 100 customers a day and greeting everyone with a smile.  She even worked for the Town Pump when it was new to White Sulphur and operated out of a modified shed.  Eleanore worked hard, making sure her kids had great childhood memories.  She took them to Wisconsin every summer so they could see all their grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. Eleanore loved seeing her brothers and sisters and all the nieces and nephews.

Eleanore started dating Berre Holthues in the late 1980’s. They lived together for many years and one Friday afternoon in August in 1995 they ran to Billings and got married with Berre’s parents as witnesses.  Together they lived a happy life. Eleanore would occasionally go ‘on the road’ with Berre delivering produce. One time the load fell through and Julie had to come to Nevada to pick her up so she could get to work Monday am. Eleanore retired from the bank and went on to care for Berre until his death in 2002. Eleanore loved her grandchildren but she was especially close with Brayden. They spent days riding bikes, camping, hiking, fishing, playing with Pepper and going to Brayden’s motocross races. When Eleanore wasn’t with Brayden she loved being outside in her flower garden.  She had an incredible green thumb and her perennials were something to see. Inside the house there was always a bunch of plants and she would share plant slips with anyone who wanted one.

Eleanore is survived by her daughter Julie (Scott) Rader of Montana City MT, brother Pat (Nancy) Risler of Mondovi WI, grandson Brayden Rader of Montana City MT, and many nieces and nephews. Eleanore is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Donald Risler and Laverne Risler, sisters Helen (Tootsie) Risler, Lois Strickhouser, and Leona Washburn and son Gary (Dennis) McMahon.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E. Garfield in White Sulphur Springs.  Funeral Services will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6^th at the Funeral Home.  Burial will follow the service at the Mayn Cemetery.  A reception will follow the burial at the White Sulphur Springs Senior Center.  Memorials in Eleanore’s name may be made to the Meagher County Community Senior Center, 101 1^st Avenue SE, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 .

Service Schedule

Viewing

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday December 5, 2023

Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

103 E. Garfield

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

View map

Funeral Service

1:00 p.m.

Wednesday December 6, 2023

Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

103 E. Garfield

White Sulphur Spirngs, Montana 596645

View map

Burial

Following the funeral Service

Wednesday December 6, 2023

Mayn Cemetery

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

View map

Reception

Following the Burial

Wednesday December 6, 2023

Senior Center

101 1st Avenue SE

White Sulphur Spirngs, Montana 59645

View map

Share

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

No photos have been submitted yet.
Click here to share yours.