Esther was born on December 17, 1916, the daughter of the late Ernest and Bertha Becker. On September 4, 1937, she was united in marriage to Jerry Smerda. They made their home in Racine until 1973 when they moved to Zephyrhills, Florida. They were blessed with 43 years together and two children, Jack and Jane. Jerry preceded her in death on September 11, 1980. In 1984 she was united in marriage to Joseph Plaza. They enjoyed 22 years together before his death in 2005.Esther was a former member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Racine and was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Zephyrhills, Florida. She enjoyed the outdoors, flower gardening, volunteering at church and playing card games, especially Schafskopf.
Esther is survived by her daughter, Jane and Larry Kraus; four grandchildren, Angela (Scott) Rasch, Jeffrey (Nicole) Kraus, Craig (Kim) Smerda, and Jerry (Christina) Smerda; eight great-grandchildren, Connor and Logan Rasch; Colton, Nolan, Haiden and Nylah Kraus; Henna Smerda and Mason Smerda.
In addition to her husband, Jerry, and son, Jack, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Plaza.
Funeral services for Esther will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 725 High Street, on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. James F. Peters officiating. Interment will follow at Caledonia Memorial Park Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Claire Bridge for their kindness and compassionate care of Esther for this past year.
Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000
No comments:
Post a Comment