Eleanor Jean Hase Bahr 's Obituary
Eleanor Jean Hase Bahr passed away in Dallas, Texas on April 15, 2020. She was born on November 14, 1932 to August and Stella Hase and was the middle child, growing up between two brothers Orville and Larry on the Hase farm just north of Schaller, Iowa and one mile west of Highway 110. Here, she developed her green thumb and love for gardening, which stayed with her all of her life. She attended the local rural schools, was a Princess in the Popcorn Days Court, and graduated from Schaller High School in 1950.
Eleanor exercised her independence by obtaining her teaching certificate from the University of Northern Iowa and becoming an elementary school teacher in Britt, Iowa. Later, she attended college full time, and in 1958, earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa and returned to teaching in Boone, Iowa.
After thinking on it, as was her way, she agreed to marry James Walter Bahr, on June 21, 1958. They moved to Marshalltown, Iowa where their son Mark James Bahr was born on November 9, 1959. With Jim’s work, the three of them moved to Birmingham, Alabama in 1964, and to Dallas, Texas in 1967.
It was in Dallas where Eleanor’s roots really began to grow. She became deeply established in the United Church of Christ Central Congregational Church on Royal Lane. She held leadership positions in the women’s fellowship group, and kept the church kitchen in tiptop shape. It was their relationship with the church that led them to Hope Cottage, where they adopted a two-week-old baby girl, Kristin Leigh Bahr (Lelsz) born July 1, 1968. Eleanor loved her children and family and was very involved in Mark and Kristin’s sporting, scouting, and school activities.
With another career decision, the family moved to Jim’s hometown of Racine, Wisconsin in 1977. This allowed her to visit her parents more frequently, still in Schaller, Iowa. Jim and Eleanor moved back to Dallas, Texas in 1986. Eleanor picked up where she left off with the church, as if she never left. She demonstrated her faith and strength, as she is a survivor, twice. She was a classy woman and welcomed everyone into the church.
With Jim’s retirement in 1993, they found ample opportunity to travel and explore the USA. They spent these last several years enjoying six grandchildren through various holidays and family events. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary June 2019.
Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents and older brother Orville August Hase and wife Ann. She is survived by her husband Jim, son Mark and wife Mary, their children Collin Driscoll Bahr, Carson Everett Bahr, and Emily Peyton Bahr, daughter Kristin and husband Dan, their children Ryan James Lelsz, Lauren Danielle Lelsz, and Abigail Leigh Lelsz, younger brother Larry William Hase and wife Janis, along with an assortment of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces. She was proud of this family and loved us all.
What’s your fondest memory of Eleanor ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eleanor ?
Share a story where Eleanor 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eleanor you’ll never forget.
How did Eleanor make you smile?