Eleanor Riendl

Wasilla resident Eleanor Riendl, 77, died Jan 1, 2013, in Wasilla after battling complications of ovarian cancer.

A celebration of Eleanor’s Life is at 4 p.m., Jan. 19 at Amvets Post 9, 1591 N. Creste Foris St., Wasilla.

Eleanor was born Aug. 18, 1935, in Terry, Mont., to Alexander Braun and Odelia (Huber). She attended beautician school in Moab, Utah. In 1962, Eleanor and husband, Paul Riendl, moved to Anchorage. He worked in the oil fields and she opened her beauty shop, Eleanor’s Curlaway, on Dimond Boulevard. After Paul’s death, she met Barney Locke and they moved to Wasilla Lake, where she lived out her remaining days. She always said that only her guardian angel, Raphael, could take her from her billion-dollar view.

She volunteered at Bishop’s Attic for 21 years providing, sorting and organizing of donated items in Palmer. She also served as a court bailiff for the state of Alaska system in Palmer for more than 10 years. Her family indicates she met many people through their jury duty service and truly enjoyed working with judges and the court system. Eleanor was known for her generous social nature, preparing food for anyone who dropped by, chatting with folks at garage sales or visiting the Wasilla Senior Center. She was a member and active participant with the Wasilla Homemakers Club.

Surviving are son, Paul Riendl and spouse Robin Riendl of Anchorage; daughter, Corine Hickey and spouse Chad Hickey of New Mexico; grandsons, Daniel Locke and Dalton Hickey; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in the Lower 48.

Preceding her in death was her first spouse, Paul Riendl, in 1971; Barney Locke in 1995; sister, Alice Guessen; brothers, Archie Braun and Walter Braun; and her parents.

At her request, cremation has taken place with the assistance of Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. An obituary and guestbook are online at AlaskanFuneral.com.