Eleanor Rommereim-Bald

Eleanor Romereim- Bald 94, of Simi Valley California, passed away September 11, 2016. She was born in Sioux Falls South Dakota on August 20, 1922, to Ida and Sidney McKillop. She grew up on a farm, with her brother Robert (who resides today in Portland Oregon) and loved riding and showing horses, singing, playing piano and drawing, and of course knew how to milk a cow. She had a life long faith in God which was the foundation for the full and remarkable life she led. Eleanor attended Simpson College, in Iowa, and earned a two year teaching degree. She began her teaching career in a one room school house in rural South Dakota.
Eleanor met Lee Rommereim at a dance at the Dakota Ball room in Sioux Falls, a place where GI’s returning from WW II frequented. A romance began that was to last 46 years. They were married and one year later they began their family. Donald (1950), Terry (1954), Kent (1956), Karen (1958) and Ronald in (1960). Eleanor returned to farm life during these years to raise a family and work the farm. In 1961 They pulled up stakes and moved on faith to Southern California, and within 6 months bought a house in Simi Valley. She began her teaching career again, and eventually learned she would need to complete a bachelors degree to continue teaching in California, so back to college she went. She drove the pass road every day to San Fernando Valley State College, now (CSUN). Her family sat together at her graduation; a very proud day. Eleanor taught at Santa Susanna Elementary School for 25 years.
Retirement from teaching did not stop her from entering a new career. Lee and Eleanor dreamed of traveling and so they opened the first of two travel agencies. One in Simi Valley, and one in Palm Desert. They eventually moved to Palm Desert in 1986.
Marriages and births sprinkled the years; Kent married Carole Rezek, Terry married Kim Egner, Karen married Gary Wilkerson, and Don married Marco Arechiga. Grandchildren, Shawna, Travis, Matthew, Reed and Aaron, along with great grandchildren Jeremiah and Maxwell were the joy of their lives.
During the time in Simi Valley in the early 80’s, It was discovered that Ron, their youngest son was mentally ill. They educated themselves and strove to help others understand and accept the implications of this illness. Schizophrenia eventually took Ron’s life. She became a president of the Coachella Valley Alliance for the mentally ill and worked tirelessly to aid others.
Her beloved husband, Lee Rommereim passed away in 1995 after a long fight with cancer. Eleanor continued leading bus tours and cruises, working for NAMI, and visiting her family. Eleanor painted during these years and left us many beautiful paintings. She took pictures of all things she loved especially her family.
Nine years later, Earl Bald walked into her life. Earl had been an old friend from Simi Valley days, and at a church reunion they re-met and began a friendship. Who could have guessed that at 80 years old, Eleanor would walk down the aisle again. But love doesn’t know age!! Earl Bald was her constant companion from that day forward. They traveled and enjoyed the last 14 years of her life. His gift of his love is a true joy to our family.
Eleanor was a charter member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church now Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran. She also was a member of Hope Lutheran of Palm Desert for over 25 years. She raised her family in the church and was a woman of great faith, and loved the Lord. We will celebrate her life on Saturday September 17, 2016 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 4191 Cochran St., Simi Valley CA. Service at 11:00am with luncheon to follow. Internment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, in Chatsworth at 2:15pm.
If you would like to make a donation in Eleanor's memory, please make a check out to NAMI or Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (noted: Still Waters Café) and place in basket for cards at the Luncheon. If you are unable to be at the funeral and would like to make a donation in Eleanor's memory to either organization, you may send your check to Terry Rommereim, 2399 E. Ryan Lane, Fresno, CA 93720. It will then be forwarded to the organization.