Mrs. Eleanor Penzien, of Macomb, passed away peacefully at her home on December 11th at the age of 96 1/2 years.

Eleanor was born on June 25, 1922, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, the oldest of four children born to Charles and Rose (Gastmeier) Eppler. She was united in marriage to Wilbur H. Penzien of February 20, 1943, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Clemens (Clinton Township).

Eleanor is survived by two sons: Charles H. (Penelope) Penzien of Higgins Lake, Glenn L. (Beatrice) Penzien of Clinton Township and a daughter, Rosanne J. Penzien of Macomb. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Kathryn (Gregory) Zywicki, Matthew (Tracy) Penzien, Stacia (Daniel) Zarzycki, and Steven (Catherine) Penzien. Great Grandchildren include: Natalie, William, Tyler, Eleanor, Olivia, Presley, Cullen, and Graeme. Also survived by her sister, Isabelle Nieman, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Eleanor was predeceased by her loving husband, Wilbur; parents, Charles and Rose Eppler; grandson Timothy Penzien, brother, Ellsworth Eppler; sister, Regina Timm and several brothers in law and sisters in law.

Eleanor was a long time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she was involved in many organizations throughout the years: the PTL, LWML, serving as President of the Ladies Aid for many years. In later year, she enjoyed attending the "Senior Bible Class" with her friends and the luncheons that would follow. She also enjoyed the camaraderie in putting together the mailing of the Immanuel newsletter and serving as a "money counter."

Eleanor was also a member of the Lutheran Ladies Auxiliary Chapter #4 (now Thrivent) and also served as a member of the local and National Board. She was a member of GBU/LFA LIFE District #1000. She was known as her District "Dedicated Envelope Stuffer," stuffing thousands upon thousands of envelopes with the information regarding their many functions and Charitable Fundraisers, for which she had a deep passion…Relay for Life; Seminarians Students at Concordia University, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Operation Reach Out to support Troops overseas.

Eleanor started her working career as a Telephone Operator with Michigan Bell Telephone. She then went on to working at the Tank Arsenal Plant during WWII. Marriage followed, then 3 years later, a family was started. Eleanor spent the next 18 years as a "stay at home mom," other than driving the "peanut wagon" (mini school bus) for Immanuel. Eleanor retired from First National Bank in Mt. Clemens (now Fifth Third Bank) in 1987 after 17 years of service, serving the last 10 years as Head Teller.

Mrs. Penzien will rest in the Will and Schwarzkoff Funeral Home, 233 Northbound Gratiot Avenue, Mount Clemens on Saturday, December 15th from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 16th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Penzien will lie in state at Immanuel Lutheran Church-Chapel, corner of Romeo Plank and 21 Mile Road, Macomb Township, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2018 with Pastor Greg Griffith, Pastor Michael Lutz, and Dr. Gary Pawlitz all officiating. Burial will follow in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made out to Immanuel Lutheran Church-Chapel Restoration Fund OR McLaren Macomb-Breast Center/BRAvo. https://mclaren.org/macomb-foundation/foundation-donation-memorial2-subsite.aspx