Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Esther Frieda Marie Marks, age 95, passed away February 2, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh after a short illness.
She was born August 10, 1920, in the town of Rushford to John and Bertha (Pollex) Kratz. On June 3, 1942, Esther married Raymond Marks at Trinity Lutheran Church in Borth, and they celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in June 2015.
Esther earned her teaching certificate at Oshkosh Normal and taught all of her married life at several schools including Alder Creek near Fremont, White School, Liberty School, Poy Sippi Grade School, and Omro Middle School until she retired in 1986. She said she knew she wanted to be a teacher even as a little girl. Esther loved teaching, cared about all of her students and enjoyed seeing them long after having them in school.
Esther and Ray always enjoyed traveling and, after retirement especially, took many wonderful trips starting with a trip to Europe. Along with travel, Esther loved reading, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. She cherished her family and always wanted to know what each one was doing, cheering each of us on every day, she taught us all so much.
Esther was a long time active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Omro.
Along with Ray, Esther will be dearly missed by her children, Gary (Paula) Marks, Winneconne; Eileen (Joe) Bonnett, Beaver Dam; Joan (Scott) Johnson, Knapp, Wisconsin; and Dale Marks, Omro; grandchildren, Jenny (Danny) Hunkin, Phoenix, Arizona; Ted (Gillian) King, Oshkosh; Candy (Dan) Cook, Oshkosh; Matt Marks, Oshkosh; Brian (Melinda) Bonnett, Terre Haute, Indiana; Courtney (Bob) Maher, Middleton; Jordan (Sarah) Bonnett, Oconomowoc; Tyson Hoeft, Menominee; and Carey (Jason) Anhorn, Eau Claire; great-grandchildren, Kendall and Jacob Hunkin, Braden and Declan King, Carissa Coats, Angela Bahr, Sean and Drew Cook, Nathan, Emma, Samuel, and Lucas Bonnett, Hadley, Aidyn, Lennon, and Beckett Maher, Owen and Emmett Bonnett, and Ivy Anhorn. Esther is also survived by her sisters, Helen Lee, Omro; Marie (Dick) Derber, Oshkosh; and Ruth (Clair) Retzlaff, Omro; brother-in-law, Norman Schneiter, Glenbeulah, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Althea Marks, Fond du Lac; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Along with her parents, Esther was also preceded in death by a brother, Louis Kratz; sisters, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, Louise and Clarence Wright, Lorraine Schneiter, Marion and Orin Retzlaff, Clarence Lee, Merlin Marks, Genevieve Marks, Walter, Sr. and Ethel Piotter; niece, Sandra Marks; and nephews, Neil Retzlaff and Walter Piotter Jr.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, February 5, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. Visitation will continue on Saturday, February 6 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church 720 Jackson Ave. Omro. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Richard Bartholomew officiating. Burial will be in the Borth Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for Grace Lutheran Church, Omro in Esther's name has been established.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
Cathleen (Meyer) Sponholtz wrote on February 6, 2016
Sorry for your loss. Esther was the best kindergarten teacher at Poy Sippi school. She was always so kind. I'm glad she was my teacher. Sympathies to all her family and friends. God Bless you all.
Chris Bartel-Kressig wrote on February 5, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget the twinkle in her eyes on Sunday mornings. She always made those around her feel so loved. God's blessings on you all.
Peggy Weeks wrote on February 5, 2016
Dale and Marks family. I am truly sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers
Scott Maloney wrote on February 5, 2016
My family sends prayers to the Mark's family, may god bless you all. I personally have wonderful memories of Mrs.Marks, as our families we were neighbors in the township of Poygan during my childhood. Those were great days, she was a wonderful lady.
Kathy (Piotter) Villars and husband Bill Villars wrote on February 4, 2016
Dear Uncle Ray, Gary, Eileen, Joan and Dale and to all of your family members and friends -
My husband and I are so sorry to hear that Aunt Esther passed away. We send our sympathy and love to all of you. We are also sorry that we will not be able to make the trip from East Tennessee to Wisconsin for the visitation and funeral ... but please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. We will be doing a memorial in her name at Grace Lutheran Church in Omro. I smile with tears in my eyes as I think about Aunt Esther. When I read the obituary that said she cheered each of you on ... I will always remember her for her positive and cheerful attitude, her smile, and her welcoming demeanor and friendly voice. Some of the favorite times I remember were the Christmas get togehters at their home when we, the "cousins" were children. I also remember spending some time each summer staying at their home on the farm with my cousin Joan. I also remember later on the visits Uncle Ray and Aunt Esther would make to Oshkosh to visit my parents, or just my Mom after my Dad has passed on. I remember Aunt Esther and Uncle Ray (and the "cousins" too) coming to my Mom's 90th birthday celebration ... and how happy it made my Mom. And finally, I am especially appreciative that I got to visit with Aunt Esther and Uncle Ray on a business trip to teach in Wisconsin a little over a year ago. We had a very nice and special visit that day ... a chance to catch up and share some of the memories we held dear. I think Aunt Esther touched and impacted the lives of people she met in a very special way ... I know she did mine. Rest in peace Aunt Esther. In closing, I hope this poem brings you a peace and comfort:
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.