Esther Kolz

ESTHER KOLZ

Garber

Esther J. Kolz, 101, formerly of Garber, passed away Saturday, Oct 25, 2014, at her residence in the Galena Stauss Nursing Home. She was surrounded by family and friends who loved her. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Leonard Funeral Home, 405 First St. NW, Elkader, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. The Rev. Paul R. Peters will be officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Harmony Cemetery, rural Elkport.

Esther was born Nov. 29, 1912, in Frankfort, S.D., the daughter of Harry and Anna (Gramberg) Barz, the third of five children. She graduated from high school in Mellette, S.D., and earned her first teaching degree at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. She went on to teach grade school in a one-room school house until her marriage to Paul H. Kolz on June 28, 1936. Together they moved to Aberdeen, S.D., where they started their family and lived for a few years, before permanently settling in rural Clayton County, Iowa.

Esther and Paul had 10 children, two of whom passed in infancy. They raised their eight surviving children on a farm in Garber, Iowa, while Esther remained a stay-at-home mom for many years, busy with her children and activities such as gardening, canning, cooking and needlepoint. She was an active volunteer in her community and church at St. Michael's Parish in Garber.

Esther had a passion for flowers, horses and reading. She also maintained a keen interest in learning and eventually went back to college at Upper Iowa University, earning a master's degree in education before joining the staff of Central Community School District. She was employed in Elkader and Volga for nearly 25 years, teaching math and English, coaching and directing school plays, before retiring at age 65.

An avid poetry buff, Esther loved to write and recite whenever the opportunity arose. She was recognized and admired for her talent and became a published author of several of her short poems. She had a zest for living and remained active throughout her retirement years. She was involved in Proteus Club and enjoyed travel. At age 85, she and Paul traveled to Egypt where they traversed the Nile and rode camels around the pyramids. Her quieter days were spent quilting, where she produced numerous works of art that are cherished by her children and grandchildren alike.

She and Paul had a strong work ethic and lived independently on their farm until age 98, before transitioning to the assisted living center in Cascade.

Esther is survived by her husband, Paul; sister, Evelyn Atkins; children, Byron, Hollis, Teresa, Deborah, Karl, Lisa and Maureen; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her children, Sharon; and infants, Paul and Carol Ann; and siblings, Harry, Amanda and Evan.

Leonard Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left with www.leonard

funeralhomes.com.