In the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 22, 2017, Esther (Theis) Weinzierl, age 88, passed away at All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee, MN. She was a lifelong resident and amazing teacher in the Shakopee community.
A time of gathering will be held on Sunday, August 27 from 4-7 pm and on Monday, August 28 from 9:45-10:45 am, both at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation – Shakopee Chapel 833 S. Marschall Road, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, at The Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne 350 Atwood Street, Shakopee. Esther will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
It was on the family dairy farm, in the small county community of Marystown, MN, Esther Theresa was born on January 21, 1929, to parents Anton and Margaret (Hennen) Theis. The eighth of eleven children, she had very fond memories growing up in Marystown. Esther was also truly proud of her German heritage. This character defined who she was throughout her life. The family enjoyed the customs, foods and music of German culture.
Esther graduated from the eighth grade from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Marystown. She continued her education being taught by the nuns of Good Council of Academy in Mankato. Here, Esther was elected the class president and later graduated in 1946. Furthering her education, she earned a teaching degree from Mount Mary College and Mankato State University. In Esther’s later years, while raising a family, she too earned her master’s degree. Over her 35-year career, Esther taught in Mankato, Bloomington and eventually in her community of Shakopee at St. Mark’s Catholic School and the Shakopee Public School District. She loved children and making a difference in their lives. Teaching Kindergarten through Sixth Grade, Esther was a hands-on teacher and brought so much joy and adventure to her classroom. Esther was even nominated the Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 1975.
Teaching was important, but it was becoming a wife, mother and grandma that became Esther’s passion. While driving a team of horses on a farm in Marystown, she first noticed her future spouse, Clarence Weinzierl. It was love at first sight and on January 30, 1954 at her home parish of St. Mary the Purification, Marystown, they wedded. Establishing their home in Shakopee, Esther and Clarence were blessed with six children and one precious infant son, Joseph who was taken home to be with the Lord. In later years, she relished being a grandma. Esther love attending their sporting events and activities, as well as visiting those grandchildren who lived out of state.
When Esther had free time, she loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and canning the fruits of her labors. After retirement, Esther focused her time on making beautiful quilts for family and friends. She too enjoyed playing the card game of 500. Esther had amazing qualities. She instilled in own children and the children she taught, the importance of an education and a strong work ethic. Even while working hard, she maintained a great sense of humor and making some work feel like fun.
The legacy of Esther will to be carried on by her children and loved ones, Patricia (Ron) Moline, Michael (Victoria) Weinzierl, Ann (Daryl) Wing, Jane (Eric Brinton) Weinzierl, Nancy (Tim Geis) Hergott, Joan (David) Klassen; grandchildren, Kathrine Weinzierl, Thomas Weinzierl, Colter Hanson, Cody Hanson, Liam Brinton, Kellen Brinton, Joel Hergott, Alan Hergott, Ben Hergott, Zachary Klassen, Lauren Klassen; sister, Arlene (Leon) Luce; sisters-in-law, Doris Theis, Corrine Theis, Lucille Notermann, Evie Zager, Ellen Weinzierl, LaVonne Weinzierl; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; infant son, Joseph; parents, Anton and Margaret Theis, siblings, Cecila (Fritz) Pauly, Leola (Bert) Worm, Ray (Gertie) Theis, Cyril (Sally) Theis, Edwin “Dick” (Dorothy) Theis, Verner Theis, Clement (Alice) Theis, Martin (Mary Louise) Theis and Norbert Theis.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Weinzierl family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
