Eleonore Elfriede Begick

Eleonore Elfriede (Gumz) Begick passed away April 28th, 2023 at Covenant Health after battling a series of debilitating illnesses but is now rejoicing in her Lord and reunited with her beloved husband Lester O. Begick.

She was born in Neustettin, Germany on November 9, 1937 to Ernst and Frieda Gumz and immigrated to Detroit, Michigan in 1957 aided by the sponsorship of her Uncle Max Luenser, then living with her sister Gertrud and working at Michigan Bell telephone for a time. Through mutual friends she met Lester, and they were married on July 3rd, 1965. They truly lived and loved a multicultural life that included the construction of an authentic Japanese style home placed in a beautiful setting designed by Lester, a landscape architect, that is still a place of peace today.

Aunt Eleonore’s demeanor was always gracious, kind, and welcoming, especially enjoying the visits from friends, nieces, nephews and their “little ones” who were always praised as “so beautiful” or “so handsome” then spoiled them with traditional German treats and candies. She impressed those around her with her humble nature yet inimitable, fierce determination that, no matter what the situation, one could to find a way to push through it – an innate and tenacious sense of survival probably acquired as a young child growing up with her family fleeing the oppression or Nazi Germany. She would often say emphatically, “WE WILL DO IT AND IT WILL BE GOOD!”. She lived a life of honor, never swaying from her love of God, family, and this wonderful, free country that she came to call her own. Her character and charm will be truly missed, but the stories of her relentless spirit will live on.

Surviving (Gumz family) relatives include Heidi and Doug Easter, Holger Joost, Sandy and Max Luenser, Ingrid and Steve Todt, Karl Joost, Leone Easterwood, Evelyn Slawinski, Chris and Dave Hammel, Suzanne and Wolfgang Brandenberger, Rany Henry, Ronnie Kaye, Holger and Christine Gums and daughter Sarah Behrendt. She was predeceased by her sisters Gertrud Henry and Edith Eichler, and brother, Wolfgang.

Surviving (Begick family) relatives include James and Robin Begick, Jean Begick, Mark and Vicki Begick and their son, Charlie, Jarrett Begick, and Natalie (Begick) Michaels. She was predeceased by her husband Lester O. Begick.

Dear friends include Andrejs and Carol Roga, Jonathon Mueller, Arthur Zeilinger, Steven Beyette, and the families of Raimund Winzer, Anita and Monica Sanger and Heidi and Hank Touwsand.

Services will be held on Monday, April 30th at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Frankenlust), Bay City, Michigan at 2:00 P.M. with visitation at the church from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Officiating will be Pastor Dennis Matyas.

Memorials may be made to Wellspring Family Services or Bethesda Lutheran Foundation.