Esther M. Keplin Stellmacher, age 94, of Ripon, WI passed away on Friday, December 13, 2019 at Wolverton Glen in Ripon.
Esther was born in Ripon on May 3, 1925, the daughter of Frank and Ida (Schwersenska) Schultz. She was baptized, confirmed, educated, married and resided in the Ripon area all her life, and was a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church. Esther was married April 25, 1943 to Eric Keplin. Eric preceded her in death on October 10, 1954. She then married Carleton Stellmacher on September 14, 1963 and he preceded her in death on August 24, 1970. Esther was employed at Parkview Care Center for 27 years until her retirement in 1997. She was a past leader for 27 years in the Three Hilltoppers 4-H club. She was also a former member of the Six Mile Corner Homemakers for 32 years. Esther enjoyed family gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, taking pictures, music, watching the birds at her feeder, puzzles, and her Sheltie dogs; Chism, Lad and Missy.
Esther is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Richard) Stellmacher of Ripon, WI; one son, Ronald (Benita) Keplin also of Ripon, WI; two stepsons, Richard (Barbara) Stellmacher and Donald (Barbara) Stellmacher of North Fond du Lac, WI. She is further survived by a sister, Dorothy Baird of Ripon, WI; sisters-in-law, Dolores Ingersoll of Ripon, WI, Anita Keplin of Brandon, WI and Dorothy Stellmacher of Ripon, WI; ten grandchildren, Cindy, Gerald and Jeffrey Frei, Andrew (Mary Jo), Brian (Kelly) and Ben (Melanie) Stellmacher, Laura (David) Taylor, Danielle (AJ) Juedes, Sara (Terry) Grunert and Nicholas (Samantha) Stellmacher; and 14 great-grandchildren. Esther was preceded in death by her husbands, Eric Keplin and Carleton Stellmacher; parents, Frank and Ida Schultz; daughter, Caroline Frei; grandson, Chad Stellmacher; two sisters, Verna Hoffman and Eldora Sieger and a son-in-law, Ralph Frei.
A visitation for Esther will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI 54971.
A funeral service for Esther will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Immanuel United Methodist Church, with Reverend Harsha K. Kotian officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds may be directed to Immanuel United Methodist Church, 401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI 54971; Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, N6217 Busse Rd., Green Lake, WI 54941; or Generations Hospice, 1028C South Main St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935.
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