Mary P. (Kremer) Esker, 97, of Teutopolis died on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Mary was born on August 7, 1912 to Joseph F. and Mary (Wernsing) Kremer, in Teutopolis, IL.
Mary was the beloved wife of George H. Esker, who she married on October 29, 1935 and who preceded her in death in January, 1972. Surviving are her children, Marian (Dennis) Smith, Margaret (Sam) Lumetta, Judith (Joe) DiStefano, JoAnn (Alan) Merz, Sr. Clara Esker, S.S.N.D., and Michael (Leslie Gray) Esker. Also surviving are her grandchildren, David Nacke, Kate Kevern, Jeff Nacke, Steven (Jennie) Lumetta, Marcia (Kyle) Lambert, Mark (Kathy) Wolf, Pat (Emily) Esker, Eric (Micki) Esker, and Clinton Spradley. Great-grandchildren include Carter and Carly Nacke, Norman and BrynErin Kevern, Tiffany and Victoria Nacke, Andrew, Justin, Lauren and Hailey Lumetta, and Tristan, Mitchell and Morgan Esker. Also, surviving is 1 sister-in-law, Agnes Kremer of Teutopolis.
Mary was the fourth of six children. She was predeceased by her parents; and all of her siblings, Harry, Margaret (Westendorf), Herman, Joseph, and Louis.
Mary was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, and a member of the Council of Catholic Women and the Third Order of St. Francis for many years. When her husband became disabled, Mary worked as a waitress at the Sugar Bowl in Teutopolis and the Rosilyn Cafe in Effingham. She also worked as a housekeeper for Dr. Glenn Marshall and Mary Ellen Arnold in Effingham. She was a volunteer for many years at the Effingham County Senior Center.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, with Father Vernon officiating. Interment took place at St. Francis Cemetery in Teutopolis. The family received relatives and friends on Friday evening from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the church. There was a 4:30 C.C.W. rosary and a 7:00 p.m. parish wake service at the church. Bauer Funeral Home in Teutopolis was in charge of arrangements.
The family wishes to express their thanks to Dr. Charles Runde and Lakeland Health Care Center for their services and excellent care provided to Mary.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to St. Francis Catholic Heartwork Camp, St. Francis Church, P.O. Box 730, Teutopolis, IL 62467 or to a charity of your choice in honor of Mrs. Mary P. Esker.
Effingham, Ill. —
