Esther Katheran (Thoen) Wunderlich

Esther Katheran Wunderlich, 102, of Beecher, IL died March 30, 2013 in Chicago Heights, Ill. Esther was born in Albert Lea, MN on October 1, 1910 To Jacob Ellingston and Caia Christiana Thoen nee Wulfberg. She graduated from Bethany Lutheran College and taught elementary school in Beecher Zion Lutheran School and LaGrange Park St. John’s Lutheran School teaching 3 generations of children. Esther worked also in the Beecher Post office. She was active in her church teaching Sunday school, on the committee for the 90th and 100th Zion Anniversary, LWML, and Zion Dorcas. Community work for Esther was in the Beecher Women’s Club in which she was a charter member and co-chaired the blood drive, Christmas basket for shut ins and the 4th of July float committee. She is survived by her son John of Beecher, IL and daughter Lynn (James) Hitezman of Noblesville, IN, her granddaughter Janna and many cousins, nephews and nieces. Preceding Esther in death were her husband Roland, son James, a granddaughter Karin Lynn, 6 brothers: Einer, Ingolf, Erling, Gerhard, Rudolph and Olaf and 3 sisters Anna, Henrietta and Ruth. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 3 at Zion Lutheran Church, Beecher, IL from 9 until time of funeral service at 11:00 p.m. Burial to be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Beecher. Memorials to Bethany Lutheran College, Beecher Zion Lutheran School, or Vitas Hospice.