Esther V. (Valentine) Kulcinski

Esther V. Kulcinski lived 95 years with love and laughter until March 22, 2014.  She was born on September 30, 1918, to Jacob M. and Maren (nee: Kirkegaard) Valentine in Racine, WI, where Esther lived most of her life.

On June 26, 1943, she was married in Daytona Beach, FL, to Leo P. Kulcinski who preceded her in death.  Despite experiencing hardships in her early years, laughter frequently filled conversations and happy times with family and friends.

Strong and kind, she was always gracious, interested in and concerned for others, and was often referred to as a ‘saint.’  She actively served the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in various ways.  A life-long reader, Esther made regular visits to the Racine Public Library.  Esther and Leo were strong believers in education and instrumental in establishing Racine Montessori School.  To combine her love of children and appreciation of nature, Esther volunteered at River Bend Nature Center.  Selecting just the right plants for her garden and feeding the birds in her backyard brought her great joy.

Esther took pride in raising her children and treasured any time spent with or thinking about her grandchildren, Sara (Joe) McLean of MI, Leslie (Randy) Ornelas of AZ, Sean (Lauren) Leahy of the Netherlands, Torrey Grow of WI; and great-grandchildren, Ariana and Chloe Beutler, Kiley and Ellis McLean, and Kyan and Tyce Ornelas.  Esther peacefully left her earthly life and was born into eternal life in Scottsdale, AZ, surrounded by her four children, David (Tin Ngo) Kulcinski of Orange, CA; Diann (Richard) Stone of Boise, ID; Donna (Michael) Leahy of Charlotte, MI; and Maren (John) Grow of Scottsdale, AZ.  She is also survived by her brother, Benton Valentine of WI; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many dear friends.  She will surely be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to a reception in celebration of Esther’s life to be held on April 26, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at River Bend Nature Center.  In true Danish fashion, kringle and coffee will be served.  Private entombment will be held at Mound Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Racine Montessori School Scholarship Fund, 2317 Howe St., Racine, WI 53403; Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., Racine, WI 53403; River Bend Nature Center, 3600 N. Green Bay Rd., Racine, WI 53404; Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St., Racine, WI 53405, or your favorite charity.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888