Eleanore E. Broton

Eleanore Elizabeth Broton, age 91, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo. She was born on August 15, 1927, in rural Niagara, ND. Eleanore was the fourth of 16 children born to Bill and Alma (Schmidt) Behm. During part of her childhood, she lived with her Aunt Eleanore, who taught her to play piano. She graduated from Michigan High School in 1945. Soon after, she met James A. Broton. Throughout a period of seeing each other at dances and writing letters during the war, they fell in love. They married in Fargo on April 16, 1947. In 1948, they moved to New England, ND, where they raised their family. Eleanore was the school secretary for many years while James served as the superintendent.

She was very involved in the community, as well. She played for church services for decades at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her love of music extended beyond this. She was known for attending the Concordia Christmas Concerts regularly since the 1940s. She brought her family to these concerts and even inspired some to perform in them. Eleanore also was a strong advocate for a well-rounded education. Her love of learning encouraged all her children and grandchildren to earn higher education degrees, and she even helped them pay for college.

Eleanore is survived by her children, Steve (Judy) Broton, Reedsburg, WI, Maureen (David) Jones, Plymouth, MN, Spencer (Sheila) Broton, West Fargo, ND; her grandchildren, Ginny (Dr. Patrick) Jackson, Dr. Mike (Darielle) Broton, Sarah (Ryan) Olson, Dr. Katie (J.) Broton, James (Sara) Broton, Megan Broton, and Jake Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Camille Jackson, Ellis Jackson, Sydney Olson, Will Olson, and Macy Olson. They will continue to carry on her legacy. She is also survived by six siblings: Bill Behm, Eunice (John) Novick, Lorraine Abbott, Verdell Smith, Ione (Roger) Jacobson, and Marie (Floyd) Bye.  Eleanore was preceded in death by her husband James, her infant son Scott, her parents Bill and Alma, and nine siblings: Donald, Irvin, Vernon, Virgil, Bob, Elaine, Jeanette, Irene, and Delores. Her family is comforted knowing she has been reunited with these loved ones.

Funeral Services will be held at 2PM on Monday, July 1, 2019 at West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center in West Fargo, with her Visitation held one hour prior to her service.

Burial will be in the Petersburg (ND) Cemetery, 10AM Tuesday.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center  

westfuneralhome.com

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