Eleanor Jean (Bitzan) Machut

Eleanor Jean Machut, born July 10, 1931, went to be with her Lord on Friday morning, December 10, 2021, after a brief but tough fight with cancer. Eleanor grew up in the farm life and loved the hard and valuable work farmers do. After graduating from Casco High School, she married her husband, Melvin Machut and together they had a family of five children. Tragically, Melvin died in a farm accident on Christmas Day 1960 after only 11 years of marriage. Eleanor supported her family with a variety of jobs both in Algoma and Kewaunee. After her Alaska home and land were taken for highway improvement, she found the strength to start over in a home in Kewaunee. Years later, her youngest daughter Miki was killed, leaving a special needs daughter behind. Eleanor stepped in to be the guardian for the first four years, and they’ve had a special bond ever since.

Eleanor was an active and energetic 90-year-old who enjoyed playing cards and going out to lunch with all her many card groups. She had many good friends and fabulous neighbors She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church as a member of Ladies Aid and part of the fundraising team for the Family Life Center. Eleanor was a talented and creative seamstress, making over one hundred quilts for family and church fundraisers. Eleanor was a big Packers and Brewers fan. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family and hearing about all their activities. She enjoyed traveling to destinations like Hawaii, Germany and various trips around the U.S. and within Wisconsin with family and on bus trips.

Survivors include sons, Merlin Machut, Highlands Ranch, CO; Mark (and Cindy) Machut, Luxemburg and their children Craig (and Kristin) and Jill; and daughters Margery (and Robert) Hintzke, Franklin, WI and their children Tyler and Kelly Hintzke; Marlene Machut, Kewaunee and granddaughter Lily Greaves; her brother J. Emery (and Judy) Bitzan, Waukesha, WI, and sister-in-law Lorraine Machut, Two Rivers, WI.  She also has three great granddaughters, Charlotte, Samantha and Cassandra, along with many nieces and nephews.

Those preceding her in death: husband, Melvin Machut, daughter Miki Machut Greaves, father and mother: John and Alvina (Lawrence) Bitzan, mother- and father-in-law Lily and Ed Machut; brothers and sisters: Edna (Floyd) Hanamann, Elda (Ernald) Anderson, Ethel (Earl) Glander, Earl (Vi) Bitzan, Elroy (Sylvia) Bitzan, Edgar (Jean) Bitzan, Eunice (Russell) Hanamann; and sisters-and brothers-in-law: Arwed (Ruby) Machut, Norman Machut, Wallace (Bernice) Machut, Esther (Gerald) Brandt and Daugter-in-law, Diane Machut.
We would like to thank the doctors and staff at Center for Advanced Care and Froedtert Cancer Care Center; also, the Horizon Hospice Care Unit located at Froedtert Hospital which provided the best care possible for our mother.

Visitation will be after 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 16 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Kewaunee until the time of services. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon with Pastor Matthew Sprunger officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Algoma. Arrangements by Buchanan Funeral Home in Kewaunee.