Esther Marie Guinther (Esther Marie Esckilsen)

ESTHER MARIE GUINTHER,
91, of Cass City, died following a lengthy illness Thursday, January 24, 2019 in her home with her family by her side. She was born February 14, 1927, Valentine’s Day, in Allenton the fourth of seven children born to Arthur and Mildred (Edgerton) Esckilsen. She married Harold Leo Guinther November 21, 1946 in Cass City. He died January 3, 2002.

Esther graduated from Cass City High School. She worked for Sommers Bakery for nearly ten years. Esther then began a position with Dr. Edwin Fritz where she worked as office manager and chair side assistant for 20 years. She and Harold enjoyed traveling and playing golf. After Harold had his stroke, Esther lovingly cared for him until his death 17 years later. She was a member of Cass City United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, the Order of the Eastern Star, Hills and Dales General Hospital Auxiliary and VFW Post #3644 Auxiliary. She sang in the church choir and with the Tom Thumb Singers. Esther loved tending to her flower gardens, working jigsaw puzzles and creating many lovely crafts for the church bazaars. Watching the many birds at her birdfeeders was a favorite pastime. Esther’s grandchildren were the joy of her life and she never missed a chance to see them cheerleading, playing little league and all of their sporting events. She enjoyed listening to her son Tom as he performed with the musical group Windfall and with Jerry Lamoureux.

Esther is survived by her children: Beverly Terry of Grand Ledge; Christine (Ronald) Weippert of Cass City; Thomas (Kay) Guinther of Cass City; grandchildren: Andrea Shetenhelm of Grand Ledge; Angela (Scot) Shepard of Naples, FL; Pamela Kimmel (Andres Cartegena) of Williamsburg, VA; Matthew (Lindsey) Weippert of Attica; Lynn (Zak) Lovett of Cass City; Kerry (Brent) Martin of Cass City; Amanda (Danny) Sherman of Cass City; great grandchildren; Ashley (Josh) Willard, Tyler Shepard, Ryan Shepard, David Occhiuto, Christopher Occhiuto, Nicholas Occhiuto, Ethan Kimmel, Evan Kimmel, Jason (Kacey) Weippert, Carson Weippert, Jenna Weippert, Brandon Weippert, McKenna Sherman, Cohen Sherman, Jovi Mester, Gavin Mester; great-great grandchildren: Gabriel, Dylan, Brinley; siblings: Iva Rockwell of Cass City; Theron Esckilsen of Caro; Clinton (Joyce) Esckilsen of Nekoma, ND. She is preceded in death by her son-in-law, James Terry; brother, Alvin Esckilsen; sisters: Bertha Hahn and Viola Layer.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 28, 2019 in Cass City United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Demyanovich officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Cass City United Methodist Church. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and photos with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, January 28, 2019 in Cass City United Methodist Church

Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz, 989-872-2195