Esther Bernice Swenka Viksten

VIKSTEN, SWENKA, MICHALEK, HURT, JOHNSTON, KEEN, PALIK

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 10/23/2020 at 09:36:16

Esther Bernice Swenka Viksten, 93, passed away Monday, October 12, 2020 at the Bird House Hospice surrounded by her family.

Graveside Services will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Oakland Cemetery with Rev. Paul Akin officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 AM to 11:30 AM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bird House Hospice, Iowa City Hospice or First Presbyterian Church.

Esther was born July 16, 1927 in rural Oxford, the daughter of George and Tena Michalek Swenka.

She graduated from Iowa City City High School in 1945 and then went to work in the office of Bremers Men’s Clothing Store for 4 years. Esther then worked for the Iowa City Credit Bureau for 16 years, where she met her future husband, Ray Viksten, who was manager of the Household Finance Corporation office. They were married on May 14, 1955 at First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City.

They owned and operated the Dairy Queen store at Sycamore Mall for 10 years, retiring in 1988.

Esther was an active member of First Presbyterian Church for over 55 years, where she was involved with Sunday school, served as a deacon and was involved in women’s circles and associations.

While her children were in school, Esther was active and generous with her time to ensure they were able to participate in a variety of activities while growing up. Her first love was always her family!

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the wonderful caregivers that helped mom on her last journey.
Esther is survived by her son, Kevin Scott Viksten and daughter Karen Rae (Steve) Hurt; three grandchildren: Amy (Taylor) Johnston, Courtney Hurt (Fiance, Aidan Keen), and Joel (Allison) Hurt; one great grandson, Sullivan Johnston; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Esther was preceded in death by her loving husband in 1994; her parents; her sister Tillie Palik; brother and sister-in-law George J. and Marie Swenka and sister-in-law Elaine Viksten.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
 

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