Eleanor passed peacefully on May 27, 2022 in Kent Washington. She resided in Kent 66 years. She was born a farmers daughter, October 4, 1927 in Mountain, North Dakota.
Her parents were Kristjan and Solveig Geir, a family of Icelandic/American homesteaders. She was a graduate of Mountain High School, Mountain N.D. and married Willard Leroy Biliske February 6, 1946. They lived in Monterey California before moving to Kent on a ten acre farm in 1956. They were married 61 years until Willard’s passing August 19th, 2007.
Eleanor passed of natural causes at their home surrounded by loved ones. She was a loving wife, mother and provider for her family and many others. She was constantly looking after the needs of others ahead of herself. Eleanor had a very kind heart and a sweet personality. She enjoyed sewing, preparing meals, the Icelandic club and her Icelandic heritage.
Her life is one of the true Viking sagas of yesteryears, her ship has been set fire and sent to sea, her ashes are now resting with her beloved husband, a WWII veteran and our personal hero, in Tahoma National Cemetery.
She enjoyed speaking Icelandic, as English was not her first language. When first in school her teacher punished her for not speaking English so as to learn the American way. Eleanor often talked of her Icelandic born poet and mentor KN Julius, KN’s legacy is now infamous and that of a well celebrated Icelandic poet. His humor, kindness and valiant ways still live through his many poems and songs. Eleanor always looked forward to the August the Deuce celebration in Mountain and rarely missed the annual event.
Eleanor was the last survivor of her 10 siblings, 5 brothers, Johann Geir, Thor Geir, Ted Geir, John Geir, and Clarence Geir; and 5 sisters Christine Geir (Hall), Ann Geir (Bobillier), Lilly Geir (Paulson), Mae Geir (Gorman) and Marian Geir (McWalter). Also preceded in death were her husband Willard and her daughter Nickie Biliske (Lagen).
Eleanor is survived by three children, Stefanie Biliske (Hartman) of Granite Falls WA. Dave Biliske of Colville WA. Eddy Biliske of Covington WA. Grandchil- dren; Linda Hartman (Rosengren) of Concrete WA. Michelle Hartman Solver (Scott Solver) of Burlington WA. Melissa Lagen Bowers (Kyle Bowers) of Prosper TX. Brenda Hartman of Granite Falls WA. Robert Hartman (Annie) of Lk. Stevens WA. Peter Lagen of Kent WA. Michael Hartman (Michelle) of Granite Falls WA. Fourteen great grand children and two great great grand children and Willard’s sister Earlene Gorder of MN and Willard’s sister Earlene Gorder of MN.
Services will be held at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Renton on Saturday, July 16th. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Icelandic Community Association (ICA): 302 2nd Ave, Mountain, ND 58262 701-993-8268. thedeuce.org
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