Eleanor Pavin

Eleanor Pavin, age 82, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church and will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Monday. Fr. Shawn Polman will celebrate the Mass, and inurnment will be at Valley View Cemetery in Browns Valley, MN.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Eleanor Barbara (Tracy) Pavin was born on November 22, 1942, in Browns Valley, MN, to John and Ann (Westermeyer) Tracy. She spent her formative years in her hometown, where she graduated from Browns Valley High School.

Eleanor married the love of her life, James “Jim” Pavin, on February 9, 1963, in Wheaton, MN. Together, they welcomed their beloved son, Michael. In 1969, the family moved to and settled in Ortonville. Eleanor devoted much of her adult life to her role as a waitress, with many years spent at the Hilltop Cafe, where she worked until the business closed and she retired.

A devoted member of St. John's Catholic Church, Eleanor's faith was a cornerstone of her life. In addition to her commitment to her community and family, she had a fervent passion for Minnesota Twins baseball and enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. Her thrill for life extended to the thrill of exploring the world through numerous road trips and a memorable cruise with her family.

Eleanor was also an avid local historian, with a deep appreciation for the stories that time has woven into the fabric of her beloved Minnesota. She found beauty and significance in the small things, such as her love for socializing and connecting with people. Most importantly, Eleanor carried an unwavering pride in her son, Michael, whom she adored beyond measure.

Left to cherish Eleanor’s memory are her brother-in-law, Pat Minahan; numerous nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Jim in 2000; her son, Michael in 2009; her siblings: Clyde (Ardella) Tracy, Sylvia (Richard) Cardwell, James (Connie) Tracy, Phyllis (Orris) Simonson, Cortless (Patsy) Tracy, Jeanette Minahan, and John (Carol) Tracy; many cousins; and several nieces and nephews.

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