Eleanor "Shorty" Kilwein

Funeral Mass for Eleanor “Shorty” Kilwein, 87, of New England, was held Thursday, December 9th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New England with Father Dennis Schaefer celebrating followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery with a lunch following.

Visitation for Eleanor was held at Stevenson Funeral Home Dickinson from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8th with a rosary and vigil service held at 6:00 p.m.

Eleanor Josephine Kilwein (our beloved “Shorty”) passed away on November 30, 2021.

Eleanor was born March 19, 1934 to Frank and Matilda Schaff. She was raised and educated in Dickinson.  Eleanor married Leroy Kilwein on June 3, 1953.  They raised their nine children in New England where Leroy farmed.  In her later year, Eleanor worked at the Golden West where everyone lovingly referred to her as “Grandma Shorty.”

Eleanor showed us how to be humble, work hard, and have lots of fun.  She enjoyed visiting with friends and grandchildren who were always welcomed at her home. Eleanor also enjoyed bowling, golfing, dancing and slipping off to the casino.  She will always be known for her delicious homemade dill pickles, chokecherry jelly, and German potato salad.  Two cherished family memories are the celebration of Leroy and Eleanor’s 50th wedding anniversary, and Eleanor’s surprise 80th birthday party… “We pulled one over on you Shorty!”

Eleanor is survived by her eight children, Ray (Pam) Kilwein, Dickinson; Sandy (Bob) Barnes, South Heart; Patti Frank, New England; Tom (Lauren) Kilwein, Gilbert, AZ; Denise Kilwein, Topeka, KS; Brenda Harrier, Dickinson; Cheryl Urlacher, New England; and Mark Kilwein, New England; 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Laura Carter, JoAnn (Ivo) Schoch, Bernie (Seb) Dukart, Mary Jean Schaff,; sister-in-law, Linda Schaff; brothers, Don (Chinda) Schaff, Bill (Margaret) Schaff.  In addition, she is survived by her in-laws, Vivian Kilwein, Berdene and Ralph Flyberg, Marcella (Mel) Flyberg and Mary Eva Pope.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Matilda Schaff;  husband, Leroy Kilwein; son, Leroy Kilwein Jr.; sons-in-law, Brad Fullerton, Don Frank, Dudley Harrier; great-grandson, Jonathan Kilwein; brothers, Bob Schaff, Ray Schaff; sister, Isabelle Peters; in-laws, Frank Kilwein, Pauline Roberson, Hank Pope, Ed and Delores Rodriqeus. 

Eleanor was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and belonged to St. Mary’s Alter Guild.  

Her favorite hymn was ‘How Great Thou Art:’     
When Christ shall come,
With shout of acclamation
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art.

“Grandma Shorty”, you are now home with Dad. We love you.