Eleanor (Vogt) Ihlenfeld went home to the Lord on November 5, 2008, after 88 years of life.  She was surrounded by her family, and filled with God's peace, at the time of her death. 

Elly was born to Nicholas and Helena (Jansen) Vogt on October 1, 1920 in West Bend. She was raised on her family's farm, where she helped operate Oak Lawn Dairy.  She graduated from West Bend High School in the class of 1938. Then, on November 3, 1945, Elly married Ed Ihlenfeld at Holy Angels Church in West Bend. Together, they operated a dairy farm and raised two children, Ethel and Ed. Elly also worked as the secretary to the vice president of the West Bend Company.  Later, she completed a medical record transcription course and became the Director of Medical Records at the Cedar Lake Home.    Then, since Elly always had her finger on the pulse of West Bend, she decided to run for County Board Supervisor.  She was elected and served 12 years.  A lifelong resident of West Bend, she was committed to serving the best interests of her community.  She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.  She also served her community by volunteering her time as the secretary of the American Red Cross, and was a charter member of St. Frances Cabrini.  Her pride and joy was her family, and she also cherished her many friends.  She loved traveling, playing cards, gardening, socializing, and keeping up with current events. 

Elly is survived by her daughter, Ethel Pillman, and her son Ed (Julie) Ihlenfeld.  She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Erin Pillman, Michael (Katie) Pillman, and Edison and Alissa Ihlenfeld.  She is further survived by other family and friends. Elly was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, her sisters Helen Oelhafen and Therese Oelhafen, her brothers Clarence, Carl, and Denis Vogt, and her grandson, Joseph Raymond Ihlenfeld. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 12:30 pm at St. Frances Cabrini with Father Jeffrey Haines officiating.  Interment at Holy Angels Cemetery following the mass.  Visitation will be at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel of West Bend from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm with closing of casket payers to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Frances Cabrini School, Food for the Poor, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Our family extends a special thank you to the staff at River Way Place in West Bend, the staff at Aurora Medical Center of Washington County in Hartford, and Dr. Muhammad Mian.