Esther E. Baehr, 93, died Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Renaissance Assisted Living Center, Weston, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born on Oct. 24, 1924, the daughter of the late Chris and Nellie (Hanson) Klay. She married Norman Baehr on June 23, 1949 in Withee. He preceded her in death on June 17, 1991.
A graduate of Eau Claire Teacher’s College, Esther taught Kindergarten and Second grade for 21 years in Mosinee. She was a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church, Mosinee, where she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible school.
Esther’s selfless kindness, empathetic intuition and sage advice swelled the hearts of everyone she met. Her marriage to Norman was a love story for the ages. Her mothering was full of constant love and communication, her passion for education was inspiring, her faith in God was unwavering, her art was a talent and her nurturing toward all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was all encompassing. Her mind, spirit, wit, and unconditional love is imprinted forever in our hearts.
She is survived by her four children; three daughters, Janet (David) Zielke, Eau Claire, Judy (Jeffrey) Lawrence, Lake Bluff, IL, Jean (Steve) Rouse, Eau Claire; one son, David Baehr Rothschild; 10 grandchildren, Christian, Elizabeth, Whitney, Jeffrey, Amy, Sarah, Katie, Gregory, Eric, and Kimberly; nine great-grandchildren, Sidney, Gavin, Jack, Grant, Kennadie, Noah, Madison, Nora, and Lars. Besides her husband, Norman, and parents, Chris and Nellie, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Chris, John and Walter Klay.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church, Mosinee. Pastor Marilyn Lange will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, until time of services at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. A private burial will be held at Mosinee Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Renaissance Assisted Living, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice, Dr. Vicky Baker, and Pastor Marilyn Lange for the compassionate care they provided to Esther.
Memorial donations can be made to either Macula Vision Research Foundation (www.MVRF.org) or St. John Lutheran Church, 901 11th St, Mosinee, WI 54455.