Esther Bargenquast (1916-2003)

BARGENQUAST

Posted By: Patrick Turner (email)
Date: 2/8/2003 at 23:58:38

Thursday, January 16, 2003

Shelby

In Memory: Esther Bargenquast

Esther June Bargenquast, 86, of rural Glenarm, Illinois, died January 13 at her daughter’s home.

She was born June 29, 1916, in Shelby to Henry H. and Rena Hughes Bittle. She worked as a meter reader for the town of Shelby. She was a member of the Shelby United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of the Methodist Women and served as a lay minister. She also served as a lay minister at the Shelby Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Shelby Garden Club, and was known in southwest Iowa for her lectures on wildflowers and her book reviews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and son, Ronald.

Survivors include her daughters, Peggy Tell and husband, David, of Glenarm, and Patricia Henderson of Council Bluffs; one son Donald and wife, Madge, of Neola; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial service will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday at the Unity Church, 417 Cordelia in Springfield, Illinois, with the Rev. Leslie Bradshaw officiating. Burial of ashes will be in Shelby. Bisch Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be offered to the Nature Conservancy or the Shelby United Methodist Church.