Eleanor Virginia Bramer

Eleanor Virginia Bramer, the daughter of Jens Christian and Inger (Johnson) Thogerson, was born on May 12, 1916, on White Star Farm, near Harlan, Iowa. After her father’s death when Eleanor was two years old, her family moved from the farm into Harlan. She attended Harlan Schools, and graduated from Harlan High School in 1934. On January 22, 1934, Eleanor married Day Raymond Bramer in Elk Point, South Dakota. The couple farmed in Shelby County for many years before retiring to their new home in Harlan in 1977.

Eleanor was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, where she was an active member of the congregation and the women’s circle. She was a strong supporter of the Danish Immigrant Museum. For over 30 years, Eleanor helped at election polling sites. She enjoyed attending her high school reunions, and helped organized many of them. Eleanor loved gardening and flowers, and enjoyed drawing, traveling, and playing pinochle.

Eleanor V. Bramer died on Sunday, February 27, 2005, at the Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 88 years, 9 months, and 15 days.

Preceding Eleanor in death were her parents; her husband, Day Raymond Bramer, on June 28, 2000; three sisters, Marjorie Grosbeck, Frances Wigness, and Mena Burmeister; and two brothers, Nels Thogerson and Pastor Dolliver Thogerson. Survivors include three daughters, Beverly (Jim) Oleson of Bristol, Illinois, Deanna (Larry) Ruby of Marriottsville, Maryland, and Pamela (Wesley) Andersen of Kennard, Nebraska; two sons, Carol “Gene” Bramer and his friend, Gail Rosenberger, of Tampa, Florida, and Raymond (Kathy) Bramer of Santa Rosa, California; one brother, Raymond Thogerson of Lebanon, Oregon; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen officiating. Yvonne Jensen served as the organist. Casket bearers were Howard Jensen , Henry (Hank) Whitney, Gerald Wigness, James Burmeister, Gail Lange, and David Christensen. Burial was in the Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.