- Date Of Birth: June 7, 1931
- Date Of Death: March 20, 2019
- State: Michigan
Esther M. Bartels, age 87, of Vandalia, died peacefully Wednesday, March 20, 2019 in the comfort of her family’s presence. She was born June 7, 1931 in Thornton, Illinois to Joseph and Mary Federowski. She married Henry “Hank” Bartels June 13, 1953 in Chicago Heights, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by Henry “Hank,” John (son) and survived by Lawrence “Larry” (son), Mary (daughter), Jean Ann (daughter), Amanda (granddaughter), as well as extended family.Esther worked at Youngstown Steel Mill. She moved to Vandalia, Michigan in the late 50’s. She worked most of her life as a truck farmer. Her garden was a farm. She had been a long time participating member of South Bend Farmer’s Market and did a short stint at Benton Harbor Market. In the 60’s and 70’s sold produce at family farm stand.
She was a steward of the land. She appreciated her land, trying to take care of it through conscientious management and conservancy. She enjoyed much of life; travelling when she could, was very good at Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Music especially opera and a good polka, bonus if there was room to dance. Loved to read usually in the winter when the fields are at rest. She was amazingly diverse; there wasn’t anything or anyone she wouldn’t care to talk about or with. She was always curious to find out more.
She was a keeper of so many stories. She may not have been a saint but she seemed to be there when she was needed.It is sad she is gone physically; she will always be with us. She lived a good long life. She is loved, admired, and respected. Szczesc Boze. idz z Bogiem.
