Esther Leona Arends-1997
Burlington Record, Thursday, Jan. 2, 1997

     On Feb. 19, 1919, Esther Leona (Ziegler) Arends, the youngest child of 10 children, was born to John and Christina (Beopple) Ziegler at Bethune.  She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church and received her early Christian training from her parents and the church.  She was confirmed in May 1933.  After finishing the eighth grade, she worked for different families in the community doing general housework.

After a lengthy courtship, she married Carl Arends on May 9, 1937, in Stratton.  To this union four boys were born -- LeRoy, Norman, Dennis, and Paul.  After following her husband's work in various places, they built their home northeast of Stratton where they farmed.  In 1949 they built their home north of Bethune where they lived until their retirement in 1974, when they moved to their new home in Burlington.   She spent her last week as a resident of Grace Manor Care Center where she breathed her last on Friday, Dec. 27, 1996, at about 9:20 a.m. to go home to heaven with our Lord.

As a young girl she learned to play the piano from her sister Lena.  She loved music and played for her church for several years, and also sang in the choir.  She was active in school organizations while following her sons' activities, and was proud of their achievements.  Esther was an avid gardener, always having a large flower and vegetable garden.  She was especially fond of sharing her flowers and vegetables with friends and neighbors.  Quilting and sewing wqere [sic] here pastimes and hobbies.  Esther was active in Home Demonstration Club and an active member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church until her health started failing. After retirement, she started doing ceramics, making many beautiful gifts for her family.

Those that preceded her in death were her mother and father; her brother Richard, Bill, Otto and Fred Ziegler; sisters Clara Ziegler and Lena Strobel.  Among those still living and celebrating her life are sisters Anna Strobel, Emma Dobler and husband Art, Elma Stahlecker and husband Ralph; sister-in-law Hilda Ziegler; husband Carl of the family home; and all of her children -- LeRoy and wife Karen of Burlington, Norman and wife Kay of Lamar, Dennis of Burlington, and Paul and wife Phyllis of Anacortas, Wash.; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; many nephews, nieces and friends.

Services were conducted Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1996, 10 a.m., at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, with Reverend William Sladek officiating at the services. Musical selections included "The old Rugged Cross," "In the Garden," and "O Master, Let me Walk With You," by the congregation, and solos by Fred Hilt of Amazing Grace" and "The Lord's Prayer." Organist was Virginia Flatt.  Casket bearers were grandsons Robin Arends, Tully Arends, Monte Arends, Tim Miller, Scott Arends and Mason Arends. Honorary escorts were all of Esther's nephews.  Esther was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Burlington, with Hendricks-Love Mortuary in charge of arrangements.  Memorial gifts may go to First St. Paul's Lutheran Church and can be left at Community First National Bank in Burlington.