Mary Esther Esch
June 28, 1924 ~ December 9, 2009
Mary Esther Esch, 85, of Marion, died Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at Willow Gardens Care Center, Marion. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2009, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion, by Rev. Rod Allers. Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2009, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Marion, with a vigil service at 5:30 p.m. Burial: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Francis Cemetery, Dyersville. Survivors include two daughters, Jane (Steve) Woodhouse of Marion and Joyce Maltas-Rundle of Mechanicsville; a brother, Charles (Betty) Klocker of Dubuque; seven grandchildren, Cristina, Joseph, Jon, Jeremy, Melissa, Ryan, and Cody; and five great grandchildren. Mary was born June 28, 1924, in Dyersville, Iowa, the daughter of John and Catherine (Claus) Klocker. She married John Esch on September 2, 1947, in Dyersville. She was a beautician for 20 years and then provided daycare in her home for over 30 years. Mary was loved and adored by her daycare children and their families. Many valued her presence and influence throughout their lives. She was uncommonly selfless, loving, and generous and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed volunteering to care for neighbors and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son-in-law, Randy Maltas; five sisters; and two brothers. A memorial fund has been established.
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Mary will be deeply missed…greatly cherished for all the memories she’s left…..uncommonly selfless, loving, and generous is so true. Missing her….
Nicole Murty
To the Esch Family. I am so sorry for your loss, Mary is no longer suffering. I really enjoyed being around her everyday and her family.You are in my prayers.
Jane and Joyce – Our hearts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
The statement “uncommonly selfless” truly explains the loving person Mary was. Although she babysat me as a child (I’m 27 now), I’ll never forget what a special grandmother figure she was. It was so great to visit her when I was back in Marion – she always made such a fuss over us “kids” and was so proud. And she was always appreciative for the little gifts or food we brought, no matter what it was. She would always send a thank you and keep in touch, and I sent her many cards celebrating holidays or just to say hello over the past few years.
May she rest in peace finally with John and God bless.
Love,
Erin Kane
Chicago, IL
Jane and Joyce,
I am sorry to hear about your mom. She was just the nicest person! Just like her sisters, you could not leave without eating and taking some food with you. She made a big impact on a lot of lives.
Take care, prayers,
Cheryl Kluesner
We (my husband Bob, dec. 9-28-08 and daughter Dani) lived across the street from Mary and John in the 1970’s; they were such wonderful, kind neighbors. Mary is in a wonderful place with our Lord and Savior; may her family find peace in this.
Jane & Joyce,
I’m so sorry about your mom. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mary was such a cute little lady- and capable! I met her while she took her grandson to school everyday. About a year and a half ago I saw her trying to take a birds nest out of her front stoop. She had a lot of energy, that’s for sure. I heard from her next door neighbor that she wasn’t doing well. I’m sorry that your family lost such a wonderful lady. I didn’t know her well but I could tell that she was such a kind lady.
Jane and Joyce,
I just heard about the passing of your mom. I am so so sorry for your loss. I am sorry i was not there. I will miss her so very much many of my childhood memories were from all of you from spending the night to eating the kool aid popcicles on the steps. My heart and prayers go to you.
all my love
Tassie John and family