MUMMELTHIE, Esther Louise 1911-2004

MUMMELTHIE, KUMMELEHNE, WENDT

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/21/2009 at 10:27:00

ROCKFORD, IOWA — Esther L. Mummelthie, 93, of 208 Seventh St. N.E. No. 6 in Rockford, died early Thursday morning (Nov. 18, 2004) at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Funeral service have been set for 10:30 a.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church, 805 E. Main Ave. in Rockford, with the Rev. Patricia Shaw officiating. Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery in Rockford.

The family will greet friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 302 W. Main Ave. in Rockford. Her visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to her funeral service. Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the Lutheran Church Guild or the Esther L. Mummelthie Memorial Fund. Condolences, stories or thoughts may be sent to the family in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home on line at www.fullertonfh.com.

Esther Louise Mummelthie was born March 19, 1911, in Frederika, Iowa, to Henry and Emma (Wendt) Kummelehne. She was the only child born to her parents. Esther was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, a country church near Frederika.

On July 25, 1935, Esther was united in marriage to Frederick Mummelthie near Denver, Iowa. Their marriage later dissolved. Esther moved to Rockford from Frederika in 1947, and will be well-remembered as being active in many organizations in Rockford.

She was devoted to her Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church and the Zion Lutheran Church Guild, where she was involved in Deborah Circle.

Esther was a past president of the Rockford Senior Citizen’s Club and enjoyed socializing with her friends at the Rockford Women’s Club, “500” card club, the senior citizen’s center and the birthday club. After her children were raised, Esther was employed at the Nora Springs Care Center for 10 years.

Esther’s faith and family were of highest priority throughout her life. She is described by her family as a very generous, kind and nurturing woman who would assist anyone in any capacity. Esther was a wonderful caregiver/babysitter to the children in Rockford as nearly “every baby in Rockford” was tended to by Esther at some time during their youth. Esther’s children fondly recall their mother’s lemon pies and coming home from school to a warm chocolate cake.

Esther lived in her own home until August of this year and was a determined lady who prided herself as one who made her own decisions. She treasured attending family reunions for the past 45 years, collecting and saving postage stamps and playing any type of card game. She especially loved challenging her guests to a game of 500 when they stopped by her home to visit. Esther looked forward to socializing at Adult Day Care on Wednesdays and going for long walks around Rockford.

Cards and letters from her family and friends were important treasures for Esther. She would occasionally get them out to reread each and every one.

Esther will be missed dearly by her family and friends who have shared in her life.

She is survived by her children, Dona Wendt of Sumner, Iowa; Duane Mummelthie of Clear Lake and Mesa, Ariz.; Robert Mummelthie of Mesa, Ariz.; Bert Ann (Charles) Ray of Nevada, Iowa; Betty Graham of Madrid, Iowa, and Donald Mummelthie of Chillicothe, Mo.

She will also be sadly missed by 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Esther in death were her parents, Henry and Emma Kummelehne; her son, Eugene Mummelthie who died on Nov. 18, 1996 (the same day as Esther); her daughter-in-law, Carol Mummelthie; and her son-in-law, Bill Graham.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (641) 756-3311 - www.fullertonfh.com

[Mason City Globe Gazette - Nov. 20, 2004]