To join the family for the Funeral Service for Eloise, please click on the following link Funeral Service for Eloise or click on the livestream link below her obituary.
Eloise Leona Windah Deihl was born May 8th, 1934, to Arthur and Olga (Lind) Windahl. She was baptized at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Marsh Grove Township near Viking, MN and attended Fairview Country School. The family moved to Viking, MN when her parents purchased the local cafe. Eloise attended middle school in Viking and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1952. She always felt fortunate that she was able to attend her junior year of high school at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Fergus Falls, MN where she had family members who taught at the school. Upon graduation she worked in Thief River Falls for a dentist, and at Trumpet Sound Gospel Signs.
While in high school Eloise met Donald Deihl who was from rural Goodridge. After his return from military service, they married in 1954 in Viking. Soon after, the two moved to Holtville, CA where Don had siblings who had settled there. Don began a custom hay harvesting business. Five children were born during their time in California and Eloise graduated from cosmetology school as well.
In 1966, the family moved to Fosston, MN and purchased a farm. In 1968, they built a home in town, and their sixth child was born. Eloise opened Eloise’s Beauty Salon and Boutique in the lower level of their home. She was well known for her love and expertise in hair coloring, perms, and cosmetics. The family was active at Kingo Lutheran Church where both she and Don taught Sunday School/Friday School and Eloise sang in the choir and helped direct the children’s choir.
In 1978, the family moved to Dilworth, MN after Don took a job at Transport Inc. From 1978 to 1988, Eloise continued in the cosmetic retail business working at Herbst, Cameo, and Daytons in Fargo. She loved helping her clients learn about the latest cosmetics and earned many sales awards for her efforts.
In 1980, Eloise and Don enjoyed a 21 day European tour. Her love of travel continued and she enjoyed numerous trips to Europe along with mission trips to Beijing, China and to Mexico with her church family led by Pastors Ron and Ilene Bakken at Faith Hope Love Church in Moorhead, MN. She also served as the head greeter for many years and was active in Bible studies and outreach programs.
Eloise was a 25-year member of Toastmasters International and honed her speaking skills to later serve as a speaker for Christian Women and traveled throughout the tri-state area speaking and spreading God’s Word.
Eloise ended her working career in the insurance business focusing on selling long-term care insurance. She and Don enjoyed retirement making trips to see family in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
After Don’s death in 2008, Eloise continued to live in Dilworth. In 2011, she purchased a condominium at One Riverside, Moorhead and immensely enjoyed her 6th floor view overlooking the Hjemkomst Center. She moved to Farmstead Assisted Living in April 2019.
Eloise first and foremost felt her mission in life was to spread the word of Jesus Christ and to bring people to know Jesus through witnessing.
Eloise was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don Deihl, son Brian Deihl, sisters Dolores Bakke-Mesick, June Barrow, and Phyliss Gander.
She is survived by children, Paul (Gail) Deihl Vergas, MN, Jeff (Kim) Deihl, Deer River, MN, Pam (Gregg) Iverson, Roseau, MN, Lorise Lovato, Faquay-Varina, NC, Cherie (Scott) Bratcher, Chapel Hill, NC; nine grandchildren Audrey (Tod) Gange, Teresa (Tim) Meece, Brianna Deihl, Taylor Deihl, Camille (Eric) Massaro, Garrett (Rachel) Iverson, Nick Lovato, Max Lovato, and Hailey Bratcher. Great grandchildren Alex Meece, Eliza, Fletcher, and Asher Massaro.
Surviving sibling Norlan Windahl, Deer River along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Eloise was much loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Eloise passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Farmstead Memory Care in Moorhead, MN under the care of HIA Hospice.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Korsmo Funeral Service in Moorhead, MN with Pastor Ron Bakken from Faith, Hope, Love Church in Moorhead officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial will be at 2:00 PM, Monday, at Bethesda Cemetery, rural Newfolden, MN.
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