Beitelspacher, Esther 1915-2009

BEITELSPACHER, SUSEMIHL, BUEHRE

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/26/2009 at 16:05:29

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, October 26, 2009

Esther Beitelspacher, 94, of Le Mars, died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, in the Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars.

Esther Lucia Susemihl was born Sept. 10, 1915, in the family home in Johnson Township, rural Plymouth County, the daughter of Fred and Emma (Buehre) Susemihl. Esher was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Johnson Township and confirmed at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Le Mars. She attended country school and graduated from Le Mars Central High School in 1934. For a few years she worked for area families assisting with children and the home.

Esther was united in marriage to Ernest "Ernie" Beitelspacher Sept.4, 1938. Ernie and Esther began farming Ernie's parents' farm northwest of Struble shortly after they were married. They continued to farm and work together until Ernie's death Jan. 12, 1986. She moved to Le Mars in the fall of 1987 and has made her home at Good Samaritan Village in Le Mars since January 2001.

Esther was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church where she had been active in WELCA for many years. She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, sewing, crocheting, and baking. She especially enjoyed being a grandmother; when she could sit and read to her grandchildren when they were younger.

Survivors include her twin sons: Dean and his wife Diane Beitelspacher of rural Le Mars and their children: Michael and Rebecca Beitelspacher of rural Le Mars and their children Emma, Anna, and Ashley, Scott and Jeni Beitelspacher of rural Le Mars and their daughter Sophie, and Shannon and Eric Backstrom of Sioux Falls, S.D and their daughter Claire; and Gene and his wife Linda Beitelspacher of rural Le Mars and their children: Kristin and Keith Koerselman of rural Le Mars and their children Keaton and Kaleb, Kevin and Amy Beitelspacher of rural Le Mars and their children Abbey, Ellie, and Ian, Erin and Wayne Schwartz of West Des Moines, and their daughter Elise; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Emma (Buehre) Susemihl; her husband Ernie who died Jan. 12, 1986; a sister, Dorothy Susemihl; and two brothers, Art and Marvin Susemihl.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Christ Lutheran Church, Grant Township, rural Le Mars, with the Rev. Dan Gerrietts officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitations will be after 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the family present after 5 p.m. to greet friends followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Michael Beitelspacher, Scott Beitelspacher, Kevin Beitelspacher, Keith Koerselman, Wayne Schwartz, and Eric Backstrom.