Eleanor C. Gray (Johnson)

Eleanor C. Gray (Johnson), 88, joined her beloved husband, Charlie, in heaven on January 31, 2024. Eleanor was born July 30, 1935 to Elmer Johnson and Mildred (Hanewold) Johnson in Janesville. Her family would say her death felt sudden. But after 68-plus years of being inseparable, the pull of being in her eternal home with Charlie was too great.

Eleanor and Charlie were high school sweethearts, back when she was “EJ” and he was “Gunda.” Upon graduation, both attended UW–Madison. Eleanor graduated from the School of Nursing in 1956. She paused her nursing career to marry Charlie in August 1956. Their story led them on a lifetime of adventure. From marriage in 1956, to Vincenza, Italy, where Charlie was stationed in the Army, back to Janesville where they started their greatest adventure. Five kids in five years, with no disposable diapers! Eleanor balanced motherhood with a nursing career, and as great mothers do, made it all seem manageable. She was a kind and loving mom who was a strong believer in God. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Parish where all her children attended grade school and later, St Rita’s in Presque Isle.

Once empty nesters, Eleanor and Charlie’s story took off again as travel became a mainstay in their lives. They explored new continents, spent seasons chasing the snow, the sun, or the waves. They learned to love new places and adventures with dear friends. But each spring, after each adventure, they’d find themselves back at their beloved Crab Lake in Presque Isle. Their home for the last thirty years. For their five kids, 10 grandchildren and five (soon to be six!) great-grandchildren, it is the legacy Eleanor and Charley deeply desired to leave behind. Summers at the cabin, filled with fun, family, rest, and restoration. That’s exactly what Eleanor had in mind. See, Eleanor loved people. She loved to know them, be with them, laugh with them, celebrate with them, but most of all — share with them. Eleanor wanted to hear your stories, and share some in return. For Eleanor, that’s what the cabin on Crab lake was all about. A gathering place, a community place, a sharing place for her most dear family and friends.

Her family will remember her starting one of those stories around the dinner table with an “I remember…” while spinning her glass of white wine. And if we were lucky, that dinner would be followed by one of Eleanor’s famous berry pies. She would tie jingle bells on her shoes to scare the bears away as she picked fresh berries in the woods nearby. A small glimpse of her commitment to her family. Eleanor’s family will miss her steadfastness, her laugh, and her ability to hold a room. But we know she’s home. What peace that brings.

Eleanor is survived by her five children: Charles IV (Torri) of Weston, Mary (Kilafwa) Sigrah of Hawaii, Michael (Nancy) of Lino Lakes, Minn., Jennifer Neuner of Weston and Joshua (Leanne) of Janesville; as well as 10 grandchildren: Elizabeth (Matt) Moens, Charles C. (“Buddy”) (Rachel) Gray V, Sarah (Chris) Roth, Michael and John Gray, Zachary (Keri) Neuner, Mackenzie Neuner, Adam (Danielle) Gray, Jacob (Maddy) Gray and Hannah Gray; and five great-grandchildren; Bodhi, Brooks and Millie Moens, Charles (“Chico”) C. Gray VI; Adelaide Gray; sister Beatrice Mogensen and brother, Russell Johnson, as well as many relatives and friends.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on April 27, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Presque Isle. Private Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Janesville. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider memorials to the Crab Lake Conservation Foundation, PO Box 256, Presque Isle WI 54557.