Esther Ellen (Johnson) OBRECHT

OBRECHT, WERK, JOHNSON, OKIKAWA, NORTON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/18/2010 at 16:56:00

November 16, 1914 -- December 10, 2010

THOR, IA - Esther Ellen Obrecht, the daughter of James and Ina (Werk) Johnson, was born November 16, 1914, in Charles City, Iowa. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth. Esther graduated from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, with a degree in Home Economics. On August 24, 1940, Esther was united in marriage with Harvey C. Obrecht, in Dakota City, NE, and the couple made their home in Hampton, Iowa, later moving to Thor, where they spent the rest of their married life. Harvey preceded her in death on May 24, 1980. Esther was a member of Ullensvang Lutheran Church and the church circle. She will be remembered for the time she spent sewing clothes; making cloth dolls, many Raggedy Ann and Andy's; baking bread and making candy giving lots away during the holidays. Esther also served on many committees, including the one which created and opened Thor's Entertainer Restaurant. She also worked for the post office in Thor and did seasonal work with other Thor women on farms in the area.

Esther died on Friday, December 10, 2010, at the Kanawha Community Nursing Home in Kanawha, at the age of 96 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harvey, and seven brothers and sisters. Survivors include her sons, Glen Obrecht of Minneapolis, MN, and Gary Obrecht and wife Margretta of San Antonio, TX; two granddaughters, Emily Okikawa and Sarah Norton; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 18, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ullensvang Lutheran Church in Thor with Pastor Darryl Landsverk officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial will be in East Ullensvang Cemetery in Thor. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

December 17, 2010
Fort Dodge Messenger, Iowa