Esther Wenzel

Esther Wenzel June 25, 1927 to February 19, 2015, Age 87 EDEN PRAIRIE - Funeral services for Esther Wenzel, 87, of Eden Prairie, long-time resident of Truman, will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Katherine’s Church in Truman. Visitation will be at Zaharia Family Funeral and Cremation Service of Truman on Wednesday 5-7 p.m. Interment will be in Ridgelawn Memorial Park. On June 25, 1927, Peter and Daisy Pytleski welcomed child number five into their family. Esther Rita joined her brother Roman, sisters Lucille, Marcella, and Dorothy. Several years later, younger sister, Marian, would complete the family. Though small in physical stature, she was strong in heart and will. She worked hard with her family tending to the farm, planting and harvesting the fields, helping with the house work and caring for the children of relatives. She found peace and joy in the garden, sewing projects, housework, card games with friends, music and dancing. It was music, dance and the joy of friendship that brought Freddie Wenzel into her life. They married in the fall of 1955, welcoming their own children, Rebecca and Donald. They established Freddie and Esther’s Bakery in Truman and built their dream home. Several years later they sold the bakery and began their work careers at 3M in Fairmont until retiring in the early 1990s. By respecting and loving each other all the days of their lives, Fred and Esther navigated this life journey together as a team. They had a life well lived and truly blessed. Left to miss her interesting observations, funny remarks and wise advice are sisters, Lucille Findley; Dorothy Wenzel; Marian (Lyle) Anderson; daughter, Rebecca (Nicholas) Michalski, son, Donald; grandsons, Tanner (Mariangela Le Thanh) Griepentrog and Max Michalski; granddaughter, Libby Michalski; sister-in-law Florence Pytleski; brother-in-law Edwin Leiding; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was welcomed onto a heavenly dance floor by her husband Fred; brother Roman Pytleski; Marcy and Harry Fraker; Lyle Wenzel; sister-in-law Bernie Leiding; mother-in-law Laura Wenzel, her Ma and Pa along with many family and friends. Becci and Don want to thank Christine and the staff at Pioneer Estates in Eden Prairie for their amazing care, love and support of Esther during her illness. Interim Hospice must be recognized for their stellar contribution in giving her comfort and end of life dignity. You are all earthly angels. In celebration of Esther, you are welcome to join us at Zaharia Funeral Home in Truman on Wed., Feb. 25 from 5 to 7. Funeral mass will be held at St. Katherine’s Catholic Church in Truman on Thurs., Feb. 26 at 10:30 am with internment at Ridgelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to your choice of charity or St. Katherine’s Church. Arrangements provided by Zaharia Family Funeral, 507-776-4375.