Eleanor “Ellie” Baldus
Tuesday, May 23, 1933
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Age:
92 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday January 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Mass of Christian Burial
Date: Saturday January 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Directions and Live Stream
To watch Ellie's mass please click HERE or HERE
To access Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist from Highway 52 take the Civic Center exit and proceed to Broadway. Turn right on Broadway and proceed to Center street where you will turn right. Follow Center street to the west and the church will be located on the left. ”Construction can be difficult to navigate to St. John’s. Please follow this suggestion from us to make access to the church and parking easier on you!” Please allow an additional 15-20 minutes to navigate to the church. For a map and directions to Co-Cathedral during the construction click HERE
Tuesday, May 23, 1933
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Age:
92 years old
Tuesday, May 23, 1933
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Age:
92 years old
Eleanor “Ellie” Baldus
Eleanor Therese Baldus, lovingly known as Polly to her family and Ellie to her friends, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15 at the age of 92.
Eleanor was born on May 23, 1933, in Oak Park, IL and moved with her family to Milwaukee, WI in 1940. While attending Marquette University, she met the love of her life, William Baldus. This past October, they joyfully celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Ellie and Bill made their home in Rochester, MN where they raised five children.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. William Baldus, and their children; Mary Clare Baldus (João Moreira), Jane Baldus Smith (Ken Davis), Suz Baldus-Strauss (Joe Strauss), Bill Baldus (Geri Fedorowicz), and Laura Hance (Dan Hance). Eleanor cherished her 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.
An English major with a life-long love of reading, Eleanor began her career as a teacher before staying home to raise her children. She was generous and known for her love of laughter. Eleanor’s life was grounded in her spirituality, love of God and her devotion to family.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 11 4th Ave. SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Save the Children or the Malala Fund.
Eleanor’s love and legacy live on in all who were blessed to know her.
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Condolences
The family of Eleanor “Ellie” Baldus has received the following condolences.
Sara and I are so sorry for your loss! She sounded like such an amazing person and will be missed by many.
Toby and Sara Goetz
Dear Baldus Family,
I will always remember Polly’s kindness to me during my years in Rochester. Your family welcomed me into your fold for many meals full of laughter, smiles and friendly jabs at each other. It meant a lot to me. My sympathies to you all.
Love. Mel
Dear Baldus Family,
We are sending love and deepest sympathy after the death of Polly. She was a wonderful women. Anne and Tim
So many wonderful childhood memories of time spent with the Baldus Crew! Ellie & Bill were dear friends of my parents and we always looked forward to our families getting together. The room would be filled with laughter and great conversation. Ellie’s spirit of joy and compassion was contagious. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Bill and Family.