- Born in September 28, 1923
- Departed on January 21, 2010
- Visitation: 4:00 until 7:00 PM Monday, January 25, 2010 at Mott & Henning Funeral Home
- Service: 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Mott & Henning Funeral Home
- Cemetery: Joel Hall Cemetery
Esther Fitschen, age 86, of Cantrall, passed away on January 21, 2010 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
Survived by
Son – Larry (Sherry) Fitschen of Cantrall
Five Grandchildren – Larry (Karla) Fitschen Jr.
- Denise (Scott) Edmiston
- B.J. (Sheila) Fitschen
- April (Paul) Atwood
- Craig ( Mandy) Fitschen
14 Great Grandchildren
Brother – Albert Richardson of Springfield
Several Nieces & Nephews
Esther was born on September 28, 1923 in Athens the daughter of Charles F. and Mary I. Hart Richardson. Esther was seventh of thirteen children in her family.
She married Merritt Fitschen on October 3, 1942 in Athens, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Merritt in February of 2007, a son, Bill Fitschen in November of 1999, a great-grandson Elijah Porter in May of 2004.
Mrs. Fitschen helped her husband farm and milk cows for many years. She was a past member of the Lutheran Ladies Aid at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Athens. Esther was a member to the Menard County Farm Bureau. She enjoyed cooking and bowling.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral in Athens and where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 AM.
Rev. Richard Becker and Rev. David Bueltman officiating.
Burial: Joel Hall Cemetery
Memorials to Althemzers Association, Athens BLS or APL
Condolences
Larry , Sherry and family,
I was sorry to see that Esther has moved on in her journey, but i am sure she was greeted by Merritt( with a joke no doubt) and Bill. I remember my younger years at the farm and how she would fix breakfast and lunch for everybody and how I always thought that was special to have the whole family around. I am sure she will be greatly missed as well as remembered by all who she touched in life here on earth. I will be thinking of you all through this sad time and remember family is the most important thing in our lives.
Dan, Tami, and family
Denise, BJ, Little Larry, April and Craig,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your grandma. I remember her well from family gatherings and when Jodi, John and I would come play on the farm in the summer when we stayed with Grandma Theodor. All of you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Julie Broyhill (Theodor)
May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always, and strength in the companionship of those who share your loss…. I have learned never to underestimate the healing power we all have. It is always there to be used for the highest good. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) May it be a source of inner strength to know that there’s a loving God watching over you, and that, throughout this time of need, He’ll stay close by your side. I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith.-2Timothy 4:7. As for me, I will lie down that I may sleep; I shall certainly awake, for Jehovah himself keeps supporting me. -Psalms 3:5
So sorry to hear about your grandmother. I know you were very close to her. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Dave and Deanna Martin
Dear B.J. and Denise,
I send my deepest sypathies to you and your families. This is one of those times when we would have driven down from East Peoria to take my parents to your grandmother’s visitation. Both of my parents also went to rest with their eternal Father this past year.
I remember both of you well. My mother, Harriett Smith, sat with you children in her home in Athens. B.J. and my son are the same age, and they would sit in their infant seats facing each other and play. My sister and I made a Memory Quilt for my parents’ 60th Wedding Anninversary with many pictures representing their lives together. Both of your pictures are on the quilt in the “childcare” corner of the quilt. I also know that your grandparents and my parents (Ellis & Harriett) were very good friends in their early years.
Hold your memories close to your heart, as I’m sure you have many to treasure.
Joyce (Smith) Lanier
104 Justice Drive
East Peoria, IL 61611
Larry & Sherry, I was so very sorry to learn of the passing of Aunt Esther. I have so many memories of being at Grandma Richardsons and hearing the laughter and the jokes from Uncle Merritt and Aunt Esther. If my memory recalls, Aunt Esther was a marvelous cook and she was so proud of her “boys” and grandchildren…Our hearts go out to you and your families.
We are sending a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of your Mother.
Much love, Jeannie
Denise and BJ,
I am so sorry for your loss! I will be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Stay strong in your faith and know that she is now dancing with the angels.
Love you Both!!
Tracey (Hubbs) Hardin
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