Eleanor Fonger

Age 91, our sweet and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went home to her Heavenly Father on August 18, 2022. Born March 9, 1931 in Grand Rapids, MI, Ellie embodied a life well lived. Her upbringing on the family farm instilled in her great resolve, resourcefulness, and love for the outdoors; all while developing the heart of a teacher. Ellie graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and she taught in the Lansing area for 34 years. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Gerard Catholic Church and a woman of deep faith. Ellie loved her family deeply and brought great joy to their lives and those around her. She enjoyed nature, gardening, bird watching, hiking, traveling, art, and sporting events. Ellie was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Anna Kaiser; husband of 50 years, Kenneth “Ken” Fonger; and son, Michael Peter Fonger. Surviving are her son, Thomas Jon (Julie) Fonger; two grandsons, Max (Angel) Fonger and Jake Fonger; great-granddaughter, Ellie Fonger; sister, Leona “Lee” Astle; and many nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 24, from 6pm-8pm at Gorsline-Runciman Tiffany Chapel. The Funeral Liturgy will be at 10:30am Thursday, August 25, at St. Gerard Catholic Church followed by Rite of Committal at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and National Alliance on Mental Illness in memory of Ellie.