Obituary for Eleanor Marie (Gensterblum) Peake
Eleanor Marie Peake, 93, of Portland, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on February 15, 2025. Born on July 10, 1931, she was the daughter of Peter and Helen (Fernholz) Gensterblum. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Eleanor enjoyed playing cards, visiting the casino, and for many years enjoyed playing golf. She began her career at Hosley’s and later retired from the State of Michigan. After retirement, she and her husband, Bud, cherished their winters spent in Florida. As a dedicated farmer’s wife, Eleanor took great pride in ensuring everyone was well fed, whether through her wonderful cooking or baking—no one ever left her home hungry. In her later years, she found joy in spending time visiting with family and friends. Eleanor’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Helen (Fernholz) Gensterblum; beloved husband of 64 years, Forest “Bud” Peake; son, William "Bill" Peake; daughter, Leanne Simon; great-granddaughter, Margot Hengesbach; siblings, Bernita Gensterblum, Richard (Marcella) Gensterblum, Leon (Helen) Gensterblum, Elizabeth (Gerald) Huhn, Geraldine (Albert) Hodge, Marvin (Lois) Gensterblum, Virginia (Neil) Shimp, Lucille (Carl) Redman, Alvin Gensterblum, Dolores (Allen) Houser, Paul (Judy) Gensterblum, Robert (Mary) Gensterblum, Larry (Janet) Gensterblum, and Barbara Densmore; Peake in-laws, Wilbur (Mary) Peake, Margy (John) Moyer, and Lynn Peake. Surviving are her children, Randy (Donna) Peake, Sue Hengesbach, Nancy (Ted) Schrauben; daughter-in-law, Sharon Peake; son-in-law, Kevin Simon; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sr. Bernita Marie Gensterblum, Mary Louise (Bill) Hanses, Jim (Louise) Gensterblum; in-laws, Cecelia Gensterblum and Leon “Pete” Densmore; and many special nieces and nephews.
A special thank you goes to Eleanor’s wonderful caregivers, Riz Bashir, Kim Bower, Michelle Rodriguez, Michelle Schmeichel, Michelle VanSlambrook, and Angie Weber and Heart to Heart Hospice, especially Sam, Kelly, and Hailey for the kindness, loyalty, and love they shared with Eleanor. We were blessed.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 1:30 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Mike Alber at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, February 20, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland. Rite of Committal will be at Danby Township Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Portland V.F.W. Post #4090. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Portland Soup Project or Heart to Heart Hospice in honor of Eleanor. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.
