Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Elois Rae Fanning, who passed away on October 10th at the age of 91. A proud Rochester native, Elois was the daughter of Zelma and Ray Ferdinandt. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1952 and went on to Mankato State Teachers College, where she earned her degree in education.
After college she married Ed Fanning, and they spent most of their married life together in Mankato, Minnesota. They raised two sons, and she was later blessed with two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were always the apple of her eye.
After spending most of her career as a business teacher and retiring in Mankato, she carried her calling for education back to Rochester, where she served as a substitute teacher for many years.
At the heart of Elois’s life was her faith and lifelong devotion to Evangel United Methodist Church. Distance never kept her away—even while residing in Mankato, holiday visits home to Rochester always included singing in the choir and playing in her favorite bell choir. When she returned to Rochester after Ed passed away to be closer to her sons, the church once again became a regular, cherished commitment in her life.
Elois is remembered by her brother, Jim Ferdinandt (Fran); her son, Steve Fanning (Kim); and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Rose. She is also remembered by her grandchildren, Ted (Chastity) and Taylor Fanning; her three great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. Elois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed; her son, Fred Fanning; her sister, Dorothy Bartel; and her parents.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Nov.14th, Evangel United Methodist Church, Rochester MN
Visitation: 9:00 AM | Service: 10:00 AM, Reception to follow.
