Eleanor Therese Baldus, lovingly known as Polly to her family and Ellie to her friends, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15 at the age of 92.

Eleanor was born on May 23, 1933, in Oak Park, IL and moved with her family to Milwaukee, WI in 1940. While attending Marquette University, she met the love of her life, William Baldus. This past October, they joyfully celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Ellie and Bill made their home in Rochester, MN where they raised five children.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. William Baldus, and their children; Mary Clare Baldus (João Moreira), Jane Baldus Smith (Ken Davis), Suz Baldus-Strauss (Joe Strauss), Bill Baldus (Geri Fedorowicz), and Laura Hance (Dan Hance). Eleanor cherished her 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

An English major with a life-long love of reading, Eleanor began her career as a teacher before staying home to raise her children. She was generous and known for her love of laughter. Eleanor's life was grounded in her spirituality, love of God and her devotion to family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 11 4 ^th Ave. SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Save the Children or the Malala Fund.

Eleanor's love and legacy live on in all who were blessed to know her.