Eileen Leona Wabner

Eileen Leona Wabner Age 88 most recently of Mankato, MN, was called to her heavenly home on May 11, 2025, on Mother’s Day. Eileen was born on March 1, 1937, to parents Edwin and Hattie (Kelling) Schultz, of Waldorf, MN. She was baptized on March 28, 1937, and confirmed on May 13, 1951; her confirmation verse was Acts 4:12 which states “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Eileen grew up on the family farm helping her parents with various tasks and chores- such as helping feed the livestock. One of her responsibilities was taking the dairy cows down along the county roadside to allow them to graze and then herd them back after a few hours. She even helped her dad by straightening out bent nails so that they could be reused. Grandpa’s motto after the depression era was: “Waste nothing!” Farm life certainly kept everyone busy. Her family also suffered the loss of her only sibling, a sister, passing at the age of 8. Eileen graduated from Waldorf High School in 1955.

On July 21, 1956, Eileen was united in marriage with Milton Wabner Jr., of Waseca, in Waldorf. Milt was serving in the U.S. Army at that time and Eileen joined him in Manhattan, KS living off-base. While there, she gave birth to their first son. Two months later, after receiving his honorable discharge, the threesome returned to the Schultz farm in Waldorf where they shared farming duties. Two years later, they were blessed with another son.

With the growing family, they relocated to Waseca, where Milt joined Brown Printing Co. and Eileen cared for her husband and growing family, which now included a daughter. In Waseca, they joined Grace Lutheran Church where Eileen was very active in teaching Sunday School and VBS. For a few years, they lived just a short 2 blocks away from church, which was an enjoyable walk on a nice Sunday morning. Their fourth and final child, a daughter, was born in 1969.

In one of their main moves in the mid 60’s, the family purchased a 3-acre plot of land, outside of Waseca; of which they made into a hobby farm which featured horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits and various poultry. This was a great idea as it taught their children how to help and care for the various animals as well as appreciating wildlife. Their children each recall how blessed they were to be raised by two very unselfish, caring and loving parents! Also, in the early ‘70’s, Eileen was stricken with Bell’s palsy which caused a permanent paralysis in her face... causing her to lose her facial smile. However, her love of life, the smile of her heart and the trust in her Lord Jesus never changed!

In 1976, Milt and Eileen moved to Waterville, MN, where they had purchased a local business – The Corner Bar and a home on Lake Sakatah. More than a bar and local business, they both made incredible friendships. They also joined Trinity Lutheran, in Waterville, as their new church home. As mentioned, there were many friends made! Eileen had one group of friends that their pastor affectionately called the “Lene Girls.” These four met at church and their friendship blossomed. These ladies served their Lord together, laughed a lot, and cried; they also supported each other when their husbands died. The names in this closeknit group were Charlene, Evelyn, Darlene and Eileen. Today, because of Jesus’ saving grace, this foursome is now reunited.

With most of her family raised, Eileen kept busy teaching Sunday School and VBS, Bible studies, joined the choir and assisted with various other things at church to help and to serve her Lord. She also visited shut-ins and people in nursing homes and took meals to many… she truly had a servant’s heart. On Easter Sunday, and at other times, she invited friends that they had made at the Corner Bar, who didn’t have a family, to come and enjoy a Holiday meal with her family.

In the early 1980’s they sold the Corner Bar, as Milt desired to return to the printing business. They remained in Waterville. By this time grandchildren were arriving! Eileen and Milt had many, many weekend and overnight stays with the entire family sharing meals, stories, playing games, or cards; Grandma took her young entourage on many nature walks exploring, talking about their Lord Jesus and His Creation, teaching them needlepoint and picnics, swimming, or in the pedal boat; and helping her at times with her gardening. A very memorable time for each of the grandkids- memories that they all cherish!

Eileen had a “Green Thumb” and took great joy in planting and maintaining beautiful gardens. Quite often people would stop to visit, or slow down while driving by to simply admire her gardens.

One of many memories shared by her grandkids, was the encouragement to “Work hard and to trust in the Lord!” Sound wisdom! Eileen knew that every day is a gift from the Lord as she entered many notes into her Bible connecting certain passages, as prayers, for her family. This detail was also evident in her keeping track of the weather! Many times, she would make a comment such as “On this day last year we had beautiful sunshine” or, perhaps “On this day in 2012, we received 6” of snow.” Again, she took nothing for granted.

In later years they returned to Waseca and continued to host family events. Milt passed away in 2006. After Milt’s funeral and everyone was getting ready to depart, Eileen/Mom was encouraged to come home with one of us; she gracefully declined, stating that she had to begin her time alone sometime. After her family left, Mom sat down on the steps leading upstairs and simply stated to her Savior “Well Lord, it’s just You and me now.” Just then the phone rang. Her relationship and trust in her Lord Jesus never faltered. Proverbs 3:5 states “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” She truly loved her Lord with all her heart!!

Eileen joined Christ the King Lutheran Church, in Waseca and she kept busy in her church and maintaining her gardens. Mom also was part of another group of ladies from Christ the King, however, this time she was often referred to as “the baby” of the group; their names were Alice S., Joyce, Alice B., and Eileen. These ladies were all widows, and they enjoyed each other’s companionship, weekly dinners, and love for their Lord. Eileen continued to live in their Waseca home for approx. 12 years before moving to the south metro area. Her last 2 ½ years have been in an assisted living in Mankato.

Eileen lived her life loving her Lord Jesus and truly had a servant’s heart as she cared and prayed for her family, friends that needed help, a ride, meals, or whatever was needed. She also enjoyed quilting at church and at home, studying her Bible, going for walks, flower and vegetable gardening, bird watching, baking, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, sister (Diane), husband of 50 years (Milt), one daughter (Christine Blum) and great granddaughter (Winter Van Oosbree). Survived by children: Jim (Sue), Joe (Laurie) and Kari (Scott) Ostermann. Grandchildren: Meghan (Kevin) Smith-Wabner, Kelsey (Brandon) Henry, Courtney (Dwight) Anderson, Lucas Wabner, Rebecca (Geir) Randen, Sam (Amber) Blum, Jessica (Matt) Van Oosbree, Ryan (Megan) Ostermann, Josie Ostermann and Jacob Ostermann. Great Grandchildren: Crosby and Reggie Smith-Wabner, Harper Henry, Christine Randen, Elijah and Nora Blum, twins Nicky and Miles, Felix Van Oosbree and Maren, Laina, Bryn Ostermann; son-in-law Charlie Blum, special cousin and friend, Helen Schultz; sister-in-law Marlys (Norm) Meyer, nephew Lonnie (Teri) Gilster, nieces Brenda Gilster and Laurie Mariner, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Many times, our mother would greet us in the morning cheerfully declaring from Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!” This was our Mom! What a great way to begin your day!! Thank you, Mom/Grandma, for filling our minds and hearts with the Lord’s Word!! Thank you, Gracious Heavenly Father, for blessing our family with such a kind, giving and loving caregiver who set an example for all of us!!

The family would like to heartfully thank Dwight Aalgaard and his team at Generations, in Mankato, for their loving care, Kristin Ziemke/Avenues Music Therapy for her gift of love and music, Pastor Eric and Christ the King Lutheran Church, in Waseca, for visits and for remembering Mom in their continued prayers, Pastor Kristian Bjornstad, of St. John Lutheran Church, Good Thunder, MN. Also, St. Croix Hospice, especially Penny and Courtney, who provided loving oversight and care in Mom’s final days with us. You were each very active and helpful in caring for our loved one and making her as comfortable as possible! Thank you!! In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christ the King Lutheran Church, in Waseca.

Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.