Esther Leona Natzke, age 89, of Merrill, passed away peacefully under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Merrill, WI. Esther was the youngest of seven children born to Henry and Ernestine (Winter) Natzke on November 4, 1933, in the Town of Corning. Esther lived in the Town of Corning until 2008 when she moved to Merrill. She helped her brother, Arnold, on his dairy farm and in his later years she was his caregiver. Esther had a very personal relationship with Jesus and was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill where she sang in the church choir for many years. She loved to sing and could harmonize to most any song. She was a member of the local Red Hat Society and red was also her favorite color. She loved to play sheepshead at the Merrill Enrichment Center. Watching the Packers and Brewers was always a joy for her. She treasured the time she was able to spend with her family and friends, and her “Esther Bars” were always a favorite treat for her great-nieces and great-nephews.
Esther will forever be remembered by her sisters-in law, Ethel Natzke and LuEllen Natzke; nieces, Norma (Larry) Baumann, Beth (Ron) Kautz, and Deb (Dan) Seidl; nephews, John, (Sherry) Kudick, Steve Natzke, Phil (Kelly) Natzke, and Mike (Kelley) Natzke; and other family and friends. Esther was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Frieda Natzke and Edna (Vern) Kudick; brothers, Arnold Natzke, Ervin (Dorothy) Natzke, Martin Natzke, and Harold Natzke; and nephew, Raymond Kudick.
A Funeral Service will be held for Esther at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church (107 N State St, Merrill, WI 54452) with Rev. Scott Gustafson officiating. A public visitation will be held from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Waid Funeral Home as well as from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to Esther’s funeral service at the church. Interment will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Merrill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Esther’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Merrill or the charity of your choice. Esther’s family would like to thank the staff at Pinecrest Nursing home, providers and staff at Marshfield Clinic, and the caregivers with Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful care and concern they have shown her over the years. If you would like to leave a message of sympathy for Esther’s family, please visit her obituary page at www.waidfuneral.com.