Schmidt, Esther

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 4279

Esther married Hammel, Edward Bef 1925. Edward was born Bef 1907; died Bef 2007. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 4279
• Obituary: 22 Feb 2009; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Elaine E. Christensen, 83, ended her pain and suffering and passed into God's hands at Manor Care of Appleton on Saturday, Feb. 21st, 2009, surrounded by her caregivers and loving family. Elaine was born April 22nd, 1925, in New London, Wis., the only child of Edward and Esther (Schmidt) Hammel and resided in Neenah her entire life until moving to Manor Care in 2005. She loved shopping for things she didn't need, being with her family and friends, playing bingo and trips to the casino. On May 24, 1947, Elaine was united in marriage to Willard "Mickey" Christensen at Immanuel's United Church of Christ in Neenah. They shared 27 years of marriage until Mickey's death in 1974. Elaine was also preceded in death by two longtime companions, Gerald Wagner and Jack Bodde. "Little Elaine" worked for many years at Bradke's Restaurant, Julie's Breakfast Club, St. Mary's maintenance staff, and the deli's at Mike's Town & Country Market and Piggly Wiggly of Menasha. Survivors include Elaine's six children, Darci Hendrickson, Appleton; Timothy M. (Melissa Shea), Menasha; CayeLynn (Jim) Duchow, Appleton; Junille (Jeffrey) Hintz, Neenah; Barton (Elena Flores-Melo), Neenah; Quentin "Louie" (Christine), Neenah. Twelve grandchildren survive, Michael Winters, Appleton; Michael Lenz, Neenah; Robyn (Paul) Locke, Menasha; Kerri (Guy) Coons, Menasha; Erin (Chad) Koepsel, Appleton; Timothy Hendrickson, Portland, OR; Andrew (Stephanie) Christensen, Neenah; Steven (Danielle) Lenz, Neenah; Erik Winters (Courtney), Appleton; Andrew Lenz, Neenah; Tierney Hintz (Larry Potter), Neenah; Kaitlyn Christensen, Neenah. Fifteen great-grandchildren; Meghan Winters, Gretchen Winters, Orion Koepsel, Drew Christensen, Blake Locke, Hudson Koepsel, Tyler Locke, Blythe Lenz, Ben Coons, Eva Lenz, Andrew Bartels, Brady Coons, Reid Locke, Xavier Lenz, Kamryn Christensen and #16 "en route." Also surviving are two very dear "daughters" that Elaine raised as her own; Debbie Wagner (Veronica Flower), Appleton; and Diana Wagner (Rita Campbell), Salisbury, Md. Debbie & Diana, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your love and attention, caring for mother and long hours spent staying with her til the end. Elaine also has two special little boys; Max Flores-Melo and Dakota Shea. Deepest thanks to all the caring staff members and resident friendships at Manor Care during Mom's long stay and to the Heartland Hospice workers. All of you are "angels" for the work you do. A very special thank you to Hannah Sakowski and her family; John, Paula, Bev and Jim for the kind understanding and extra care for Mom. Funeral services for Elaine will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 2009, at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home, the Rev. Martin Ruge officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. until the hour of her life celebration and memorial service at the funeral home. Mother; You taught every one of us what the true meaning of "strength" was during your last weeks ... we have a whole new respect for the word. It's time to put the tap shoes back on your feet, adjust your wings, straighten your halo and tap dance your way across heaven. Make the moon shine brighter, make the sun feel warmer, make the breeze be gentler. You gave us the amazing gift of your sense of humor right to the end ... so keep them laughing in Heaven ... It's your new job, Angel! We love you, and you'll be in our hearts and memories until we all meet again on the other side. All our Love, Your Family

Elaine married Christensen, Willard "Mickey" 24 May 1947, Immanuel United Church Of Christ, Neenah, Wisconsin, USA. Willard was born 25 Mar 1915; died 26 Nov 1974. [Group Sheet]