Eleanor Marie Paluck

CROSBY–Eleanor Marie Paluck, age 87 of Crosby, Minnesota, passed away on February 11, 2026 at Heartwood Care Center in Crosby. She was born on August 27, 1938 in New Avon Township, MN to Nicholas and Sophia (Wolniewicz) Thomas.

Eleanor worked as secretary to the Principal at Redwood Falls High School before and early in her marriage to Lawrence in 1957. For over 50 years they lived in Vesta, Minnesota where they raised their 6 children. She was a devout member of Holy Name Catholic Church and served on the Christian Mother’s Society. She was also City Clerk and on the city council for 26 years, reported Vesta news for the Tri-County Times newspaper and was a charter member of the Night Owls Club. In 1978, when she and Lawrence began their business, Paluck Plumbing and Heating, Eleanor’s next role was as bookkeeper and secretary for over 20 years. Though she enjoyed her varied employments throughout her life, Eleanor’s primary vocation was creating a loving and happy home for her husband and family of six. She gardened, sewed clothing, baked the best caramel rolls and cooked wonderful meals. She enjoyed and supported her children by attending all their extracurricular activities. In her “spare” time she was able to do more of what she enjoyed–reading novels, cross-stitching, quilting, caring for grandchildren and listening to Twins games.

Eleanor is survived by her husband of 68 years, Lawrence; three daughters, Valerie Welu of Brookings, SD, Jill (Glen) Miller of Ankeny, IA and Ramona (Ward) Dohman of Maple Grove; two sons, Eric (Mae) Paluck of Emily and Nicholas (Meghan) Paluck of Edina; one sister, Carol Woelfel, of Lafayette, CO; eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Preceding Eleanor in death are her parents, Nicholas and Sophia Thomas, one son, Jesse Paluck; and three sisters, Lorene Pohlen, Veronica Kack and Kelly Glidewell.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby. Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, with a luncheon provided in the church basement following the mass. Burial will be at the Holy Name Catholic Cemetery in Vesta, Minnesota, at a later date. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.