Service Information
Esther A. Wendorff, age 96, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in the Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Grace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Obituary
Esther Amelia Wendorff (Boelter), age 96 passed away peacefully on November 10, 2020, at the caring and loving community of Prairie Senior Cottages in Hutchinson, Minnesota. From her birth on a farm near Cosmos, Minnesota to Carl and Emma Boelter, August 26, 1924, she nourished people around her with love, beautiful flowers, and delicious baked goods. Both sharing a love of dancing, she married Elmer Wendorff on June 7, 1948, and resided on a farm outside of Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Esther maintained a huge garden where she grew a great variety of fruits and vegetables, preserving them all. She especially excelled in growing day-lilies, peonies, irises, and dahlias. Esther spent many years working (volunteering) at the McLeod County Fair Flower Department. Esther enjoyed bowling, playing pinochle, 31 card game with the grandkids, and volunteering for the American Legion Cooties. After retiring from 3M plastic molding, she volunteered at the thrift store and delivered food for the needy. Esther & Elmer prided themselves in having visited all 50 US states as well as several Caribbean, European, and Middle Eastern countries. She was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Left to honor Esther and remember her love are her four children, Gary Wendorff (friend, Sue) Glenda Jones, Lola Whalen (David), Virgene Shellenbarger (Lance); Grandchildren, Glen, Tom, Michael, Lisa, Cassie and Chad; 3 Great-Grandchildren, Ava, Amelia and Hannah; Siblings, Lily Kaping, Lila Rusch and Orville (Helen) Boelter; many nieces and nephews; and all the extended family of devoted caregivers at Prairie Senior Cottages, Esther had a special bond with Casey and Pinky at the Cottage.
Esther was preceded in death by her devoted Husband, Elmer, siblings Adeline (Raynard), Edwin (Lorena), Clarence (Arlene), and Raymond; and Brothers-in-law, Donny Kaping and Erwin Rusch; and in infancy, Baby Doris.
Esther was preceded in death by her devoted husband Elmer, siblings Adeline (Raynard), Edwin (Lorena), Clarence (Arlene), and Raymond; and Brothers-in-law, Donny Kaping and Erwin Rusch; and in infancy Baby Doris.
Cindy karg says
Virgene and family, I’m so sorry for your loss!! I know heaven did gain another angel!! May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you shared!! A mother’s love never ends! With deepest sympathy and love always, Cindy and Todd
Fred and Barb Barlau says
Virgene, sorry to hear about your mother. We always enjoyed seeing her years ago. She was a grand person to be with.
Carolyn Kurth says
Virgene, Cassie and Chad…my heart hurts for you. Your peace is that Esther’s earthly journey continues on perfectly now.
My sincerest sympathies. Rodney & Carolyn
Barb Field says
So sorry to see your mom passed away. May many wonderful memories be with you.
CARLA SUE HORTON says
Virgene and family, you have our deepest sympathy. Your Mom was such a sweetheart and for a tiny little gal, she sure was strong! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Carla and Carl Horton
Jane Dressel says
So sorry to hear about your mom, my prayers are with you
Kathy & Harry Berghuis says
So sorry for your loss. Our Moms are pretty special.
Jo Runke says
Virgene and family, So sorry for your loss! No matter how old we are, it’s hard to lose a parent. Hugs Jo
Kim Schutt says
Virgene, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I know you were a loving daughter to her. My prayers are with you and your family.
Janice Heintz says
My sincere condolences Virgene and family. You are in my heart. Your Mom’s a special lady
Gary and Carolyn Vollmer says
to family of Aunt Esther. It is hard to see the final photo of Esther, but, nice to see she had a time in her life when she was healthy, and had a good quality of life. so sorry, her health was a tough issue these last few years. fond memories of relative get togethers and her good natured heart
Karen Hoffmann says
Virgene & family,
Sending our sympathy & remembering all of you in our thoughts & prayers. Cherish all the wonderful memories & may you find strength & comfort from them. May God Bless all of you & her memory!
Larry & Karen Hoffmann
Virgene Shellenbarger says
Thank you Karen for your expression of sympathy and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. I do have many good memories.
Virgene and Family
Darlene Gregor says
I’m so sorry for you loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Virgene Shellenbarger says
Thank you Darlene
We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
The Family of Esther
Suzi (Stritesky) Swarthout says
Lola, know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Lola Whalen says
Thank your for your kind words. Over all these years, I appreciate hearing from you. Stay safe.
Leslie Plath says
Virgene your mom is at peace with the angels now. You have done so much for her and now she can rest peacefully.
Dee Koepp says
Esther was a Life member to VFWA to Post 906, A VIM member of ALA to Post 96. and was elected to the office of MOCA President in 1996. Through her years of service to Veterans and their families, she held many offices. On behalf of the Auxiliaries she served, I’d like to extend our sympathies to her family and friends, Esther will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. Dee Koepp
Carol Laffoon says
Lola, I’m so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I remember her being so happy, especially when she was with her family.
Virgene Shellenbarger says
Thank you for thinking of us at this time. Your kind words and prayers are appreciated.
Virgene Shellenbarger and Family of Esther
Denise Hamilton says
Virgene, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for the loss of your mom.