Elinor Ann Koetz, 94, of St. Charles, died Sunday evening at Golden Living Center East in Rochester surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. Elinor was born on Nov. 28, 1921, in St. Paul. In her early years, she lived in foster homes and at the Owatonna State School until the age of 16 when she was taken in by Ernst and Evelyn Ellinghuysen of rural Lewiston. Becoming a part of their family was one of the most important events of her life. She met the love of her life, Rowland Koetz, at a wedding dance in Wyattville.  Rowland and Elinor were married on March 23, 1944, and had seven children. They farmed near Lewiston until 1969 when they purchased a small hobby farm in St. Charles, where they enjoyed working together through the years. They took great joy in being generous and "giving" to their family and friends. Elinor was a hard worker and her faith and family were extremely important to her. She is remembered as being a wonderful mother and grandmother. She enjoyed keeping busy and was always cooking, baking, sewing, or working at many of her other "crafty creations." Survivors include her seven children, Connie Luce of Rochester, Dewaine Koetz (Bonnie Enright) of Mesa, Ariz., Shawn (Debra) Koetz of Rushford, Charlann (Jerry) Thompson of Rochester, Renda Meloy of Rochester, Larae (Randy) Stevens of St. Charles and Chad (Gloria) Koetz of Plainview, 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1997 and her son-in-law, Leonard Luce. The family would like to thank the staff of Golden Living East for the loving care she was given during her time there. Funeral services for Elinor will be at noon Friday, Nov. 18, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in St. Charles, with the Rev. Samuel Morsching officiating. A reception will follow before burial in Witoka Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.  Please share a memory of Elinor at her on-line guestbook and view her video tribute, when it becomes available, at hofffuneral.com. Memorials are preferred to St. Croix Hospice, stcroixhospice.com. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.