Esther M. (Kanzelberger) Michalek

Our Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Esther M. Michalek, Kewaunee, 99, died February 22, 2018. She was born in Two Rivers on August 20, 1918, the fourth and last child of Edward and Anna Kanzelberger.  She graduated from Washington High School.  On November 20, 1939, she married Edward V. Michalek of Kewaunee.  They spent the happiest years of their lives on their farm in East Krok where they raised their four children.

Dad preceded her in death on May 6, 1970. Mom then moved to the city of Kewaunee.  She liked socializing, playing cards, dancing and traveling.  Her true enjoyment was spending time with her family.  Saturday was the special day of the week set aside to have lunch, shop, take a ride and play rummy with four jokers!    It often included visits from grandchildren and great grandkids who she liked to tease.  We had many sleepover weekends and holidays with memories that we will treasure forever.

Besides dad, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Susan Becker, Roy Kanzelberger and Marcella Knipp as well as dad’s brothers and sisters.

She will be missed but will live on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Judy (Jim) Bruemmer and their family Jeff (Michelle), Nathan and Kyle, Lisa (Al) Van Hoosen and son Dylan (Brittany); Edward (Nancy) and son Joel (Lisa); Toni Charles and her family Chris (Mandy), Dyllan and Campbell, Cori (Mike) Neumeyer, Luke and Isabelle; Peggy (Gary) Van Boxel.  We will never forget the strong-willed, independent, fashionable, meticulous and proud woman who taught us so much.

Our heartfelt thanks to Mary Kay and the staff at Linden Manor along with Unity Hospice and Bonnie Mueller-Waigand.  You are all truly angels here on earth and your care and compassion will always be remembered.  Also, thanks to mom’s neighbors and our many friends who have helped and supported us in so many ways throughout the years.

Visitation will be held Friday March 9 at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, E 3306 Krok Road, Kewaunee from 9:30 – 11:00. Mass of Christian burial at 11:00.

Our family would like to thank Toni and Peggy for their loving and dedicated care that allowed mom to remain in her home until November 2017.

Mom - Listening to you and seeing how you lived your life were all the lessons we ever needed to grow into the adults we wanted to become.  We are so proud to be your children.

PS – Saturdays were the best…now Saturdays will never be the same.