CLEAR LAKE — Eleanor “Eley” Shook Schmidt, 88, of Clear Lake, died Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.
A funeral service was held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Avenue North in Clear Lake. Visitation was held before the service at the church.
Eleanor was born November 29, 1937, to Glenn and Lois Shook. Across 88 years, she built a life centered on family, friendship and the steady bonds that connect generations.
Those who knew Eleanor will remember a woman whose life touched children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her passing leaves a wide circle of loved ones with memories of time shared, family gatherings, quiet kindness and the everyday presence that made her life meaningful.
Eleanor is survived by her son, Jon Schmidt Kindred, and his wife, Paola, of Minneapolis; grandsons Carson Peter Kindred and Dane Garvis Kindred; daughter Dawn Fara Bourland and her husband, Mike, of Des Moines; grandchildren Adam Michael Bourland and his wife, Katelyn, Hope Elizabeth Trammel and her husband, Sean, Samuel Lee Bourland, Benjamin Ron Bourland, Matthew Carl Soeghay and his wife, Ehshee, Rebekah Joy Etzenhouser and her husband, Brian, and Naomi Grace Bourland; son Ron Brian Schmidt of Tucson, Arizona; and brother-in-law Gilbert Edward Schmidt of Arlington Heights, Illinois.
She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Lois Shook; brother Carl Garvice Shook and his wife, Nancy; sister-in-law Dorothy Schmidt; and cousin Nora Jane Shook Royer.
At 88, Eleanor’s life stretched across families, states and generations. Her memory will continue through the children and grandchildren who carry her story forward, and through all who knew her as “Eley.”
Bride Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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